England opens approved vaccine list to 15 more countries and eases US requirements


Simon Rushton
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England is expanding its list of countries from which proof of vaccination will be allowed and easing some restrictions for visitors arriving from the US.

The announcement, which comes into force at 4am GMT on November 22, also means no countries sliding on to the red list, where travellers have to enter quarantine in a government-approved hotel for two weeks.

There are no countries on the red list but it remains in place should it be needed to tackle a new outbreak.

The expansion comes as some countries in Europe, notably Austria and Germany, impose new restrictions as the latest waves of cases spreads across the continent.

In the UK, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the countries added to the approved list.

"Proof of vaccination will be recognised from 15 more countries and territories including Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Senegal and Zimbabwe, another boost for business and leisure travel.”

Changes are also being introduced for visitors from the US. From November 22, proof of US residence will no longer be required.

As well as the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention health card, visitors will be able to use the California Digital Covid-19 Vaccine Record, the New York State Excelsior Pass Plus and the Washington State WA Verify Pass as proof of vaccination.

The other countries added to the approved vaccine list are Belarus, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Faroe Islands, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Samoa, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

In Germany, state regions will now limit events to vaccinated and recovered people when pressure on hospitals reaches a certain level.

If the situation worsens, even vaccinated people will need a negative test. A record 65,371 daily cases were announced in Germany on Thursday.

Sweden has announced, for the first time, a health pass system for events with more than 100 people from December 1.

Belgium has made wearing masks compulsory for children aged 10 and over.

And Slovakia has drawn up plans to quell the surge in cases by restricting the movement of unvaccinated people.

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Updated: November 18, 2021, 8:45 PM`