Updated: See the latest stories on the coronavirus outbreak.
Brits overseas should “return home now” to the UK while commercial flights are still an option, foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said.
The cabinet minister warned airports were starting to close - “some without any notice” - as governments begin to enforce lockdowns to protect their citizens’ from the spread of coronavirus.
“The time to come home is now while you still can,” he said.
Raab also moved to reassure UK people still overseas that, where they could not get a commercial flight home, the government would work “round the clock” to bring them back.
He said: “We are strongly urging UK travellers overseas to return home now where and while there are still commercial routes to do so. Around the world, more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice. Where commercial routes don’t exist, our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals.”
Last week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it was advising against all but essential international travel, initially for a period of 30 days.
A statement from the FCO said: “Today’s update reflects the pace at which international travel is becoming more difficult with the closure of borders, airlines suspending flights, airports closing, exit bans and further restrictions being introduced daily.
“Further closures to air routes may come in the next 48 hours, possibly without notice.”
It came as the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the UK coronavirus death toll had reached 335.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that he was considering a UK lockdown as many were failing to heed government advice on social distancing and had continued to closely mix in parks and markets.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is a very difficult time for British Citizens travelling overseas, or those with families and loved ones abroad.
“We’re in close contact with airlines, who are working tirelessly to ensure British citizens travelling overseas can safely return to the UK. We are also working closely with other government departments, including the FCO to ensure airlines are able to operate to bring people back home.”
READ ALSO: Study Reveals Between A Man And Woman Who's More Likely To Be Infected With Coronavirus
READ ALSO: Sultan Orders Closure Of All Mosques In Abuja Over Coronavirus
Are you an artiste? Do you want your music to go viral and reach a large number of audience? Promote your music and Submit your story on Ujuayalogusblog.com by clicking here. For Advert Inquiries Tel/+44(0)7590363984
For More: Subscribe to Ujuayalogusblog.com
No comments:
Post a Comment