Faced with a new, more infectious strain of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government of Jamaica has banned all United Kingdom-related travel effective midday, Monday (December 21).

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in a statement, indicated that the travel ban will last for an initial period of two weeks, ending on Monday, January 4, 2021.

According to the ministry, inbound and outgoing flights in the next 24 hours, however, will be allowed landing privileges until midnight on Tuesday.

Jamaica is expecting three flights from the UK, one of which is already en route to the island.

“Passengers who board those flights will be subjected to a minimum 48-hour state quarantine and PCR testing,” the government agency explained.

The health ministry added that passengers who test negative will be electronically monitored and allowed to complete their remaining 14-day quarantine at home, while those who test positive will observe mandatory isolation protocols until recovered.

The ministry explained that family members of the arriving flights will be able to pick up their relatives after the two-day quarantine, however, they must abide by the guidelines to prevent possible spread.

“Family members are reminded that they must strictly adhere to the infection prevention and control measures when picking up their relatives, as well as during the mandatory quarantine period as persons may develop symptoms during the 14-quarantine and therefore transmit the virus to others,” the ministry stated.

The restrictions are also in effect for persons who arrive in Jamaica from ports of entry through the UK.

The ministry strongly warned Jamaicans against travel to the UK at this time.

Jamaica joins a growing list of countries, including Caribbean neighbours Grenada, Canada and dozens more across Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America to impose travel bans on Britain.