(CMR) People traveling abroad from England without good reasons could be fined £5000 when new coronavirus laws come into effect next week.
Members of Parliament are expected to vote on the new legislation on Thursday.
If passed, the £5,000 fixed penalty will come into force Monday, March 29, and is set to remain in place until June 30.
Under the new law, persons who leave England for a destination outside the UK without a valid reason such as work, education, and medical treatment could be fined.
Under current Covid-19 restrictions, nonessential travel is banned, and anyone leaving the country must fill out a travel declaration form explaining the nature of their trip.
International travel in the UK was expected to begin on May 17; however, there are now doubts as several European countries are experiencing a slow vaccination program while the number of COVID-19 cases in some countries have been spiking.
Just 10% of adults have received a first vaccine dose in the EU, compared to more than 50% in Britain.
Meantime, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned of a possible third wave of the virus affecting the UK as European countries experience a spike in cases.
The EU has been discussing blocking the export of vaccines to the UK amid a row over the supply of vaccines.
Leaders in the EU are expected to meet later this week to discuss their plans.
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