Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced the measures during the early hours of Friday morning (6 November), shortly after Germany and Sweden were removed from the travel corridor list.

Denmark is reportedly planning to cull millions of mink to contain the situation.

A 14-day self-isolation requirement for those returning to the UK from Denmark came into force with immediate effect at 4am on Friday.

"I have taken the swift decision to urgently remove Denmark from the government’s travel corridor list as a precautionary measure given recent developments," said Shapps.

"Health authorities in Denmark have reported widespread outbreaks of coronavirus (Covid-19) in mink farms, with a variant strain of the virus spreading to some local communities.

"The chief medical officer has therefore recommended that, as precautionary measure, all those returning from Denmark should self-isolate for 14 days.

"I understand this will be concerning for both people currently in Denmark and the wider UK public, which is why we have moved quickly to protect our country and prevent the spread of the virus to the UK."

Shapps added anyone currently in Denmark should follow local Covid rules and finish their trip as planned before observing 14 days self-isolation upon their return to the UK, and subsequently, the country’s new national lockdown measures.