'No Exception for Korea' UK Imposes Mandatory Self-Quarantine for All Arrivals

Prime Minister Boris Johnson Announcement
Up to 10 Days of Self-Quarantine Required
No Exceptions for Entrants from Countries with Low COVID-19 Infection Rates Including Han

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Starting next week, a mandatory self-quarantine of up to 10 days will be enforced upon entry into the United Kingdom. The exemption from self-quarantine for arrivals from countries with low infection rates of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), such as Korea, will also be suspended.

According to BBC on the 15th (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this self-quarantine measure plan during a COVID-19 response press conference.

Accordingly, from 4 a.m. on the 18th (Greenwich Mean Time, GMT), all individuals entering the UK must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure, along with documentation stating their place of stay in the UK.

If these documents are not submitted, boarding the plane may be denied, and fines may be imposed upon arrival in the UK. Furthermore, all arrivals must strictly self-quarantine for 10 days after entering the UK.

To end self-quarantine early, individuals must take a COVID-19 test at their own expense five days after arrival and receive a negative result.

This measure means that Koreans, who previously could engage in activities immediately upon arrival in the UK, will now also be required to self-quarantine.

Prime Minister Johnson explained that this measure is intended to protect the UK from new, yet unconfirmed COVID-19 variants.

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