UK Bans Flights From Nigeria Over Omicron

The United Kingdom on Saturday banned all flights from Nigeria following the three cases of the Omicron Variant detected in the country.

This is coming after the Canadian government imposed a travel ban on Nigeria after detecting the variant from travellers who landed in the country from Nigeria.

Recall that the Nigeria Government on Wednesday confirmed three cases of the Omicron variant from travellers from South Africa.

The UK Mission in Nigeria in a statement on Saturday said, “From 4 am on 6 December, Nigeria will be added to the red list for international travel to England.

“This follows 21 recent cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) linked to travels from Nigeria.

“From 4 am on 6 December, the UK and Irish citizens and residents arriving from Nigeria must isolate in a government-approved managed quarantine facility for 10 days, and receive two PCR tests, as the UK government takes further precautionary action against the Omicron variant.

“From 4 am on 6 Dec, a temporary travel ban will be introduced for non-UK and non-Irish citizens and residents who’ve been in Nigeria in the previous 10 days, meaning they will be refused entry into the UK.

“This doesn’t apply to those staying airside and only transiting through.”

The UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid while speaking on the issue said, “Over the recent days we have learnt of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria.

“There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing and Nigeria now is second only to South Africa in terms of linked cases to Omicron.”

“In light of the most recent data, we are taking further action to slow the incursion of the Omicron variant.

“From 4 a.m. Monday, only UK/Irish citizens and residents travelling from Nigeria will be allowed entry and must isolate in a managed quarantine facility.”