Omicron “Horse has bolted” – UK scientist

The latest travel rule changes across the UK are “a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” according to a leading British scientist.

Prof Mark Woolhouse says the new rules will come “too late” to make a “material difference” to stop the spread of omicron across the UK.

The changes include pre-departure tests for people arriving in the UK and Nigeria going on the travel red list.

But the UK government is hinting more countries could join the list, as omicron spreads around the world.

From Tuesday, travellers aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure.

British Health Secretary Sajid Javid promises the measures are temporary.

Nigeria will also be added to the travel red list of countries from Monday, which means UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents returning from the country must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

But travel and airline groups have criticised the new rules, calling them a hammer blow to the struggling industry.

The British government promises ministers will stay “eternally vigilant” to the risks associated with the Omicron variant and that measures.

Citing this week’s drop in the number of Covid hospital admissions and deaths and the “success” of the vaccination rollout.

“We have steadily and steadfastly created the resilient defences which means we can enjoy Christmas.”