U.K. requiring self-isolation period upon arrival

New temporary requirements for entrance into the U.K. came into effect on Nov. 30 to help prevent the spread of omicron, the new Covid-19 variant.

All international arrivals must take a PCR test on their second day in the U.K. and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.

Anyone who has come into contact with a suspected omicron case must self-isolate and will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace, a body that tracks Covid-19 with the intent to prevent its spread.

Face coverings are mandatory on public transportation and in shops.

The new measures will be reviewed in three weeks.

In a statement, British prime minister Boris Johnson said, "The measures taking effect today are proportionate and responsible, and will buy us time in the face of this new variant."