Covid news: pre-departure tests return for UK arrivals and Nigeria added to red list
by Nadeem Badshah (now), Sarah Marsh (earlier) from World news | The Guardian on (#5SNTN)
Health secretary Sajid Javid confirms rules will come into force from 7 December in bid to tackle Omicron variant
- International arrivals to England will be required to have pre-departure Covid tests
- WHO says no deaths reported from Omicron yet as variant spreads
- German government announces lockdown for the unvaccinated
- Sage scientists seek balanced UK response to Omicron concerns
- See all our coronavirus coverage
UK government officials and scientific advisers believe that the danger posed by the Omicron variant may not be clear until January, potentially allowing weeks of intense mixing while the variant spreads.
Across Westminster, invitations to Christmas drinks are landing in embossed envelopes or on WhatsApp groups. Departmental staff parties are set to take place, as well as a reception for journalists with Rishi Sunak at No 11. Even Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are hosting a joint bash.
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