The United Kingdom on Thursday said it will reimpose quarantine for travellers from France and the Netherlands.

France quickly announced that it would take a “reciprocal measure”.

The UK government declared the change over a rise in COVID-19 cases in France.

“Data shows we need to remove France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos & Aruba from our list of coronavirus Travel Corridors to keep infection rates DOWN,” transport minister Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter.

“If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.”

French junior minister for European Affairs, Clement Beaune, however said that it was “a British decision we regret and which will lead to a reciprocal measure.”

On Thursday, France recorded 2,669 new coronavirus infections, its highest daily number since May.

With more than 41,000 deaths caused by the COVID-19 disease, Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe.