The Scottish Government has this evening confirmed the entirety of the United Arab Emirates has been added to Scotland's travel quarantine list.
Last night (Sunday), it was announced travellers returning from Dubai would have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival back in Scotland, amid 'real concern' surrounding a number of cases identified as having originated in the Middle East destination.
However, the Scottish Government have this evening updated their advice, extending the rules to the whole of the UAE.
The move has been made following an urgent risk assessment from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, as Transport Secretary Michael Matheson continues to urge Scots to avoid non-essential foreign travel.
The new rules come into force at 4am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.
A Scottish Government statement issued tonight says: "Following the move to require travellers Dubai from to quarantine on arrival, Ministers have agreed on the basis of advice today from the Joint Biosecurity Centre to remove the United Arab Emirates in its entirety from the international travel exemptions list.
"Travellers returning from the UAE must quarantine on arrival in Scotland for 10 days from 4am on Tuesday (12 January).
"This change is preventative action and addresses the significant rise in cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the increase in the numbers of cases testing positive in Scotland.
"Guidance remains clear that people should not be undertaking foreign travel other than in exceptional circumstances."
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson commented: "It is evident, both in Scotland and in countries across the world, that the virus continues to pose real risks to health and to life and we need to interrupt the rise in cases.
"Imposing quarantine requirements on those arriving in the UK is our first defence in managing the risk of imported cases from communities with high risks of transmission. That is why we have made the decision to remove UAE from the country exemptions list.
"The evidence from Test and Protect of cases originating from Dubai caused us real concern over the weekend, and we took targeted emergency action to require travellers to isolate.
'The Joint Biosecurity Centre has now completed an urgent risk assessment for the United Arab Emirates as a whole, and based on this this new assessment we are extending our restriction to remove UAE from the country exemption list.
"Whether or not an overseas destination has been designated for quarantine restrictions, our message remains clear that people should not currently be undertaking non-essential foreign travel. People need to stay at home to help suppress the virus, protect our NHS and save lives."
