Six countries added to travel 'red list ' as new Covid variant emerges

The UK has added six countries to its travel 'red list ' following the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant.

From midday today, travellers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini will have to self-isolate for 10 days, with those arriving after 4am on Sunday required to quarantine in a hotel.

All flights from the six countries are also being suspended.

South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana have identified just 59 cases of the variant, known as B.1.1.529, so far, while Israeli media also reports one case had been identified from a traveller.

Not cases have been reported in the UK by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government had "acted immediately" with a "safety first" by restricting travel from the six countries.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers, said: “Having previously been accused of reacting slowly when new variants of Covid-19 emerged over the last 12 months, it 's clear that the Government has acted much more proactively in reintroducing travel restrictions with certain countries that are grappling with a new strain of the virus.

“Proceeding with a degree of caution is a sensible approach, given how little we know about the potential spread of the new variant and its associated effects.

“Nevertheless, we shouldn 't forget that our travel industry is only now just starting to get back on its feet after a torrid 18 months and we would urge the Government to provide the industry with the appropriate level of financial support should the restrictions become more pronounced.

“I would encourage businesses to review the Covid-19 section on our website if they need clarity on what the latest changes will mean for their business. ”