Suntans may just have to wait a while longer

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed this week that England will see “some opening up” in terms of international travel on May 17, while Nicola Sturgeon has said this is unlikely to be allowed in Scotland.

Alongside the pressing issue of jobs in the travel industry - and for some equally-pressing matter of when Scots can enjoy some sunshine again international travel has been one of the thorniest differences in pandemic approach in Scotland and England. Industry figures in Scotland have called, predictably, for a swifter return to international travel, and a uniform fournation approach, unlike the current system.

When the UK finally introduced a hotel quarantine system for incoming travellers in February, after months of desperate pleading from public health experts, England chose to enforce it only on countries from a “red” list, while in Scotland the rules apply to many more destinations. Predictably, people began to fly in and out of English airports and cross the border under their own steam.

That is exactly what will happen if differences continue. International travel is one of the most dangerous restrictions to ease, as it risks allowing an influx of new variants into the country.

This is inevitable while essential travel is allowed, but catching them before they spread to the community becomes much more difficult among huge numbers of holidaymakers.

Scotland’s second wave was caused by a new variant of Covid-19 - the variant which currently accounts for most cases in the country. It was first identified in Kent before Christmas, when the border with England was closed, and yet still managed to spread across the country and cause thousands of deaths.

With the vaccine rollout progressing at pace – and the scope to adapt vaccines to cope with new variants in future – Scotland is in a good position at the moment. It may be frustrating to see restrictions eased more quickly south of the border, but the pandemic isn’t over yet, and the horror of a serious third wave will not be made worth it by a fading suntan.