The NMA reports that the exemption came into force at 4am on 5 December 2020 for domestic and international performing arts professionals, TV production staff, journalists, and recently signed elite sportspersons, ensuring that industries which require specific, high talent individuals who rely on international connections can continue to complete their work. The NMA worked with Government, the National Union of Journalists, ITN and the BBC to secure the exemption and create the guidance.

Individuals will only be exempt when undertaking the specific business activity and will only be able to meet with others as required by that specific activity.

NMA deputy chief executive Lynne Anderson said: “Journalists play a vital role in bringing trusted, reliable news to the public and countering disinformation which is why they were granted key worker status at the start of the pandemic.

“Quarantine restrictions have made it a logistical nightmare for foreign correspondents and other essential news media workers to move across borders and cover international work assignments. It will come as a welcome relief that they are being added to the list of workers eligible for an exemption and will make their difficult, often risky, jobs that much easier.” To read the NMA’s announcement and for a link to the guidance, click here.