The United Kingdom wants to add Nigeria to the red list of countries on Monday, December 6, 2021, and this news was announced by the United Kingdom’s Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, yesterday.
“In recent days, we have learned of an increasing number of cases linked to travel to Nigeria.”
“We have 27 cases already in England and it is growing, and Nigeria is now second only to South Africa in terms of linked cases to Omicron.”
The United Kingdom’s government said that travellers coming from the United Kingdom have to take a COVID test before they depart as part of efforts to limit the spread of the new coronavirus variant.
The countries’ Health Secretary said the tightened requirements will come into effect at 4:00 am Green Median Time (GMT) on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021.
Travellers will be required to submit evidence of a PCR or negative lateral flow test to be qualified to enter.
Currently, people only need to self-isolate themselves until they are tested negative within two days of arrival.
The United Kingdom’s Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government’s strategy since the discovery of the Omicron variant is to assess, to put in place protective measures, and to buy time.
The Secretary said the government has made it clear that they will take action if it is necessary.
“We have always said we will act swiftly if new data requires it, but it is important to remember vaccinations are not our first line of defence.” He stated.
A United Kingdom official called on people to take a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when they are called to do so by the National Health Service.
This latest development came after the United Kingdom government was pressured to tighten the policy this week.
