Travel ban and self-isolation rules follow Denmark Covid mink outbreak

Date published: 7 November 2020

The UK Government has announced a travel ban on visitors from Denmark arriving in all UK airport or ports, taking effect from 4am this morning (Saturday 7 November).

In addition, anyone who has arrived back from Denmark into any part of the UK – including Northern Ireland – since October 23 must self-isolate, along with all members of their household. Self-isolation is a legal requirement and there are no exemptions. The self-isolation must last until two weeks have passed since they were last in Denmark.

Northern Ireland travel regulations have been amended to include the new legal requirements. The inclusion of all household members in this case means these self-isolation rules are stricter than normal travel-related quarantine requirements.

These are precautionary measures. Health authorities in Denmark have reported widespread outbreaks of coronavirus in mink farms, with a variant strain of the virus spreading to some local communities.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said:
“Self-isolation for anyone who has been in Denmark is a mandatory requirement and it applies to all members of the household.

“This is an emerging picture and a precautionary approach is required at this early stage.

“We are in very close contact with public health colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Minister Swann has also been in contact with his Republic of Ireland counterpart Stephen Donnelly.

“Advice and guidance have been issued to health service colleagues in Northern Ireland.

“The UK authorities are working closely with international partners to understand the changes in the virus that have been reported in Denmark. A programme of further research in the UK will inform risk assessments.”

The UK travel ban announcement can be read on the GOV.UK website.