A pre-departure COVID-19 test rule for passengers entering England will come into effect from Monday instead of this week, transport minister Grant Shapps said in a tweet late on Wednesday.
"Passengers will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departure to England from Monday, January 18, at 4 am," Shapps wrote in his tweet.
"Passengers must remember to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving back into England," Shapps said, adding that passengers would face a fine of 500 pounds ($682.30) if they do not provide proof of negative tests.
Travel to and from Britain has been almost wiped out by COVID-19 and the quarantine requirements, leaving many airlines and airports fighting for survival.
Passengers from many countries are currently required to self-isolate for 10 days, or five if they pay for a private test and test negative. Those requirements will remain in place after the new pre-departure testing rule comes into effect.
Some UK departing flights disrupted by NATS technical issue
At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities
Suspect detained after sabotage attacks on Germany power grid
Nepal rescue focused on workers trapped in three tunnels
Indonesia reopens Jakarta airport, four others after Anak Krakatau ash clears
Russia hits Kyiv after brief pause for US envoys' visit, killing two
Kenya offers temporary amnesty to undocumented East Africans amid crackdown fears
7 Indonesian airports remain shut due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau
