Travelers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for the United Kingdom are now required to present a negative COVID-19 status through the RT-PCR test, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) reported.
The announcement, as per DOLE spokesman Rolly Francia said the new requirement took effect on January 18, 2021.
Travelers, OFWs Bound for UK Now Required to Submit COVID-19 Free Status
Francia noted that the requirement is also needed even for those who will be traveling in other areas in the UK, the Business Mirror reported.
During a press briefing held on Monday, January 18, Francia said: “Starting at 4 am today UK time, all [travelers] who will be entering London must present proof that they are negative for Covid. This includes incoming OFWs.”
In line with this, violators will face a fine of £10,000.
The British government has imposed this new policy due to the spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 infections in the UK because of the new COVID variant.
The UK has over 3.3 million COVID-19 cases as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
Meanwhile, the DOLE reported that there are 1,203 OFWs, who were infected with COVID-19 in the UK, most of whom are nurses.
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