B.1.1.529 Concerns Lead UK to Ban Passenger Planes from Six Countries in Africa

(26/11/2021)  The UK has added six African countries to its red list.

From midday on Friday, 26 November, non-UK and Irish residents who have been to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe or Namibia in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England.

This does not apply to those who have stayed airside and only transited through any of those countries while changing flights.

UK and Irish residents arriving between midday on 26 November and 4am on 28 November from those six countries will be required to self-isolate at home for 10 days.

They must also take PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 post-arrival. Passengers will need to do them even if they have already booked or taken their lateral flow test.

British Airways A320 reg: G-TTOE. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

UK and Irish residents arriving from 4am Sunday must isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. During their stay, they will be required to take a coronavirus test on day 2 and day 8.

A temporary ban on commercial and private planes travelling from the six countries will also come into force at midday on Friday until 4am Sunday to reduce the risk of importing this new variant under investigation while hotel quarantine is stood up. This excludes cargo and freight without passengers.

The restrictions are being put in place due to a new COVID19 variant which is causing a lot of concern globally. The variant B.1.1.529 (or Omicron, as the WHO has named it) includes an unusually large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome.

Dr. Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said, "This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility. The results of these investigations will determine what public health actions may limit the impact of B.1.1.529.

"This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission and reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants. This means coming forward for vaccination as soon as possible and following public health advice. Wear a face covering in crowded places where it’s difficult to avoid coming into close contact with others, try to meet people in well-ventilated areas and seek a test immediately if you have symptoms."

The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. Genomes have now been uploaded from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong but the extent of spread is not yet determined.

The WHO has called an emergency meeting which will be held on Friday, 26 November to discuss B.1.1.529.

Israel has also put travel restrictions in place and more countries are expected to follow suit.