According to Javid, 261 cases are registered in England, 71 in Scotland and four in Wales. The total number in the United Kingdom is 336. “This includes cases that have nothing to do with international travel. Based on this, we can conclude that there is community transmission in several regions of England.” Javid told MPs in the British Parliament.

Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia (UEA) said on Monday that the omicron is likely to overtake the delta variant and become dominant in the country in the coming weeks or months. All people arriving in Britain will be required to submit a negative PCR test or a rapid test of no more than 48 hours from Tuesday when entering the country.

Everyone must pass a PCR test

The measure will enter into force on Tuesday at 4.00 am local time (5.00 am CET) and applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons. Every person coming to the country must pass a PCR test after two days and must remain in isolation until they have a negative result of this test.

Javid said the measures were temporary and the authorities would review them next week. “We have to be sure that action is absolutely necessary,” he said, adding that the measures would not be in force for a day longer than necessary.