Bay of Plenty Times

UK eases restrictio­ns for Xmas gatherings

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British authoritie­s gave the green light yesterday to holiday reunions, relaxing restrictio­ns on social mixing over Christmas and offering arriving internatio­nal travellers a way to cut short quarantine if they test negative for Covid-19.

The UK government and administra­tions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland struck a deal that will ease limits on travel and socialisin­g over the festive period so that friends and families can get together. Over the five days between December 23 and 27, up to three households can form a “Christmas bubble” and members can move freely between them. Those travelling to and from Northern Irelandwil­l be permitted to travel for an additional day either side.

People are currently barred from visiting members of other households in much of the UK, and there are limits on travel to highinfect­ion areas,

Cabinet minister Michael Gove said the agreement “will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year”.

Government scientific advisers have signed off on the holiday plan, though scientists have warned it will likely lead to an increase in coronaviru­s infections.

Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, noted that the easing will be taking place when schools will be closed, which should dampen down on transmissi­ons.

“Christmas, whether or not we celebrate the day as a religious festival, may be what we need to make it through the rest of winter,” he said.

In a boost to holiday travel, the 14-day quarantine requiremen­t for travellers arriving in England from most destinatio­ns will be reduced to as little as five days if they test negative for Covid-19.

Under the new rules, passengers from places not on the government’s travel corridor list can reduce the 14-day quarantine period by paying for a test from a private firm on or after Day 5 of their arrival at a potential cost of around £100 ($191.50). Results normally take a day or two.

“Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive internatio­nal business,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.

The change, which takes effect on December 15, has been long-awaited by the travel industry, one of the worst-hit sectors during the pandemic.

The change only applies in England. — -AP

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