Health

France toughens entry rules for UK travelers over Omicron spread

(Updates UK daily coronavirus cases)

Paris, Dec 16 (EFE).- The French government on Thursday toughened entry restrictions for travelers from the United Kingdom due to the Omicron variant, which has caused a record spike of coronavirus infections in the UK.

The British government has warned of a “tidal wave” of infections in the coming days and weeks.

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers from the UK will require a negative test (PCR or antigen) taken within 24 hours, instead of the current 48 hours, according to a government statement.

People will also need to demonstrate “urgent” reasons for traveling.

“Travel for tourist or professional reasons will not be permitted,” the statement said.

In addition, before their trip travelers will have to register on a digital platform where they will have to detail their address in France, where they will have to isolate themselves for seven days, under police supervision.

The quarantine can be lifted if travelers present a negative test 48 hours after their arrival.

The French government also advised French residents planning to travel to the United Kingdom to postpone their trip.

The United Kingdom on Thursday registered 88,376 daily coronavirus cases, a record toll that has been fueled by the Omicron variant.

The government in neighboring Ireland warned Thursday that the number of daily Covid-19 cases could quadruple in the coming weeks as a result of the spread of Omicron, exceeding 20,000 positive cases recorded at the beginning of January.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly, pointed out that the new variant is much more contagious than Delta and believes it will be dominant in Ireland by next week. EFE

rcf/ks/ch

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