The UK has banned travellers from 11 African Countries over a strain of covid19 traced to South Africa.
The ban which covers an initial 4-week period was published on the country’s website.
The British government hinged its decision on its efforts to prevent the spread of the new variant of covid19 traced to South Africa.
Nigeria is excluded from the list especially as nearly all the affected countries are in Southern Africa.
Countries affected include Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Maurius, Mozambique, Angola, Seychelles.
The UK said there was an urgent need to halt travel from the listed countries adding that those who have travelled through the countries in the last 7 days as of 7th January will not be granted entry into its territory.
Authorities say “The move, in addition to the travel ban on South Africa on 23rd December 2020, follows new data on the steep rise in incidence of the new variant, that has vastly increased the risk of community transmission between 9 other southern African countries as well as Seychelles and Mauritius, which both have strong travel links with South Africa.
“Urgent restrictions are, therefore now needed to prevent the spread of the strain in the UK.
“The measures will be in place for an initial period of 2 weeks while the scientific data and alternative ways to protect the UK and other partners in Africa are reviewed.”
The British government added the ban does not affect British and Irish nationals as well as longer-term visa holders and permanent residents in the United Kingdom.
Such persons according to the official statement would be required to self quarantine for 10 days on arrival along with their household.
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