Portugal And Hungary Added To Quarantine List Amid Spike In Covid Cases
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Portugal and Hungary have been removed from England’s air corridor list, meaning people returning from either country will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Azores and Madeira remain on the air corridor list but French Polynesia and Reunion have also been added to the quarantine list.
Sweden, meanwhile, has been added to the list of safe countries.
The Department for Transport said there has been a “consistent increase” in new cases in Portugal, up 81% over the last seven days from 1,464 to 2,652. Hungary, meanwhile, has seen an even sharper rise of 192% over the past week to record 3,047 new cases.
Data shows we need to remove PORTUGAL (minus the AZORES and MADEIRA), HUNGARY, FRENCH POLYNESIA and REUNION from the Travel Corridor list to keep everyone safe. If you arrive in England from these destinations after 4am Saturday, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 10, 2020
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the new rules would be enforced from 4am on Saturday.
He said on Twitter: “Data shows we need to remove Portugal (minus the Azores and Madeira), Hungary, French Polynesia and Reunion from the Travel Corridor list to keep everyone safe.
“If you arrive in England from these destinations after 4am Saturday, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.”
He added: “Through enhanced data we now have the capability to assess islands separate to their mainland countries. If you arrive in England from the Azores or Madeira, you will NOT need to self-isolate for 14 days.”
The minister also said all travellers returning to the UK are legally required to complete a passenger locator form.
Shapps said: “This is vital in protecting public health and ensuring those who need to are complying with self-isolation rules.
“It is a criminal offence not to complete the form and...
