France to Reopen UK Border Closed Due to COVID-19 Variant... "Testing Mandatory"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] France, which had closed its border with the United Kingdom due to the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), decided to reopen the border on the 23rd (local time).

According to the daily newspaper The Guardian on the 22nd, the UK Department of Transport announced that it had agreed with France to reopen the border. Previously, France had completely banned entry from the UK starting at midnight on the 21st, blocking all means of transportation including vehicles, airplanes, ships, and trains from the UK to France.

As a result, thousands of freight trucks were stranded at Dover Port and the nearby Kent area, major trading ports between the UK and the European continent, and the governments of both countries urgently held consultations to resolve the issue. Consequently, they decided to reopen the border and ease movement restrictions starting from the 23rd.

The French government stated that it would accept entry for citizens of France or European Union (EU) member states residing in the UK, as well as UK and third-country nationals holding permanent residency in these countries. Additionally, medical personnel, trade industry workers, and bus or train drivers are also allowed to move. However, to travel from the UK to France, travelers must undergo a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure and receive a negative result.

Currently, more than 50 countries worldwide have restricted or banned entry from the UK. However, experts argue that entry restrictions or border closures are not effective methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19 variants. This is because the variants have already been confirmed not only in the UK but also in other countries, making widespread transmission highly likely.

Meanwhile, some view this situation as a prelude to the 'No Deal' chaos that could occur if the UK and the EU fail to reach an agreement by the end of the Brexit transition period, which is just ten days away. Although there is no shortage of food and other supplies at the moment, concerns are rising that if freight transportation between the UK and the EU continues to be disrupted, a crisis could occur within a week.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.