London, UK: Truck drivers who are not UK citizens and who have been through Denmark in the past fortnight will be prohibited from entering the UK.
The decision follows discovery of a a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans and which could undermine efforts to develop a vaccine.
Returning drivers who are UK citizens will have to self-isolate for 14 days, along with anyone in their household.
Rod McKenzie, policy director at the Road Haulage Association, said the government decision to order lorry drivers coming from Denmark to quarantine for a fortnight due to the mink/Covid-19 issue is “unique and significant: truckers have always had an exemption to keep supply chains moving – no more in the case of Denmark.”
Logistics UK said much of the ferry transport between the UK and Denmark is sent in unaccompanied trailers with no need for drivers to travel across the border. “The industry will continue to maintain high levels of vigilance and follow all necessary health protocols to protect the UK,” the association said.
The driver rules came into force today (Sunday) and follow a ban on non-UK citizens coming to the UK from Denmark.
Any UK citizens who have travelled to Denmark must isolate for 14 days, along with their household.
Passenger planes and ships carrying freight from Denmark will also not be allowed to dock at English ports.
The Department for Transport said the latest rules follow reports by health officials in Denmark, that 200 people have a mink-related mutation of the virus. Most of those affected are connected to farms in the North Jutland region. The travel ban and extra requirements will be reviewed after a week, the department said.
