Nayrouz News Agency :  The government said Monday it is halting direct and indirect (transit) passenger flights from the United Kingdom as of December 21, 2020 until January 3, 2021 after it reported a more infectious coronavirus variant.

"The decision came in light of the developments in the epidemiological situation in the UK, in addition to reports of mutations in the coronavirus, which required additional precautionary health protocols and new mechanisms to address the spread of the pandemic and maintain the stability of the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom," Minister of State for Media Affairs and official government spokesperson Ali Ayed said.

Ayed added that the decision was based on a recommendation by the Minister of Health and the National Epidemiological Committee.

On extending the period of the travel ban, Ayed said a decision depends on available reliable scientific information on the repercussions of the virus mutation, underlining that the Ministry of Health follows up on the developments in the epidemiological situation worldwide, and will take any additional precautionary measures on flights to prevent any impact on the epidemiological situation locally.