COVID-19: Mauritius, Seychelles granted travel corridor exemption status to England
The United Kingdom introduced travel corridor exemption for some countries and territories which means that people coming to England from those countries do not have to self-isolate on arrival as per COVID-19 regulations.
A total of 59 countries and territories were listed for exemption status with the island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles the only African countries in it.
Africa, which was relatively late in registering COVID-19 cases, is still reporting increases in the numbers of cases with the continental total currently at 433,500 confirmed cases, according to the Africa CDC as of July 3.
“From 10 July 2020, unless they have visited or stopped in any other country or territory in the preceding 14 days, passengers arriving from the following countries and territories will not be required to self-isolate on arrival into England,” a government statement said.
“Information for travel into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be published by the Devolved Administrations,” it added.
The UK said other countries may be added to the list in the coming days following further discussions between the government and international partners.
“We will keep the conditions in these countries and territories under review. If they worsen we will not hesitate to reintroduce self-isolation requirements,” the statement added.
Mauritius declared total recoveries from coronavirus infections as of May 11, which marked the 15th straight day that no new case was reported in the island nation.
At the time, Mauritius became the second Africa country to have declared virus-free status after infection after Mauritania.
In mid-June, the country lifted its remaining internal COVID-19 restrictions after implementing strict measures in March.
Seychelles, on the other hand, announced complete recoveries as of May 18, thereby attaining virus-free status.
According to the Africa CDC, Mauritius had reported 341 confirmed cases, 10 deaths and 330 recoveries as of July 3 while Seychelles had reported 81 cases, no deaths and 11 recoveries.
