UK’s Heathrow airport has opened a separate terminal for those arriving from the red list nations i e countries with a high risk of Covid.
The officials at Heathrow said its top priority was protecting the public and helping reduce the risk of new variants.
Presently, there are 43 countries on the red list, but direct flights are permitted from only India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“Red list routes will likely be a feature of UK travel for the foreseeable future as countries vaccinate their populations at different rates,” a Heathrow Airport spokesperson said.
“We’re adapting Heathrow to this longer-term reality by initially opening a dedicated arrivals facility in Terminal 3 from 1 June for red list passengers arriving on direct flights. While opening this facility will be logistically very challenging, our hope is that it will enable Border Force to carry out its duties more efficiently as passenger volumes increase in line with the green list. Until then, the current red list system will remain in place,” the spokesperson added.
For the time being, this current red list system would continue, including mandatory negative Covid tests for all international arrivals, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, segregation and enhanced cleaning regimes and ventilation in immigration halls.
