Post-holiday testing may be scrapped for the double jabbed
DOUBlE-jABBED travellers could be spared from costly Pcr tests as part of a review of the traffic light system, it was revealed yesterday.
Ministers are considering whether to scrap the requirement of postarrival swabs for the vaccinated upon their return from most countries.
the change could come into force from next month and would bring the UK in line with several European countries that have dropped post-return Pcr tests for double-jabbed citizens.
the plans are being considered as part of wider reforms of the system which could also include stricter rules for unvaccinated holidaymakers.
Ministers are understood to be examining ways to simplify the traffic light model, including potentially scrapping the green and amber categories.
changes could see just the red traffic light remaining with mandatory quarantine for all. However, travel rules to all other destinations would be based on a person’s inoculation status.
Non-vaccinated travellers currently enjoy the same rules as the doublejabbed when returning from green list destinations. travellers must be tested
‘Simplifying the traffic light system’
before departure, whic-h can be a lateral flow, and a swab by day two after arrival, which must be a Pcr test. For amber countries, those not jabbed must self-isolate upon return and all travellers need a test before travel and one post-arrival.
those not jabbed could face stricter rules than currently in force for green countries, potentially including more testing and quarantine.
An announcement could come before October 1, when ministers pledged a milestone review of the rules.
the staggering costs of Pcr tests have priced many families out of summer holidays abroad. Ditching the need for the ‘gold standard’ swabs would be a huge boost for the industry as they can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a getaway. the average price of a single Pcr test among private providers listed on the Government website yesterday was £90.
the travel industry has repeatedly warned that the rules have priced many families out of a well-deserved that without easing break abroad measures, and foreign travel risks becoming a ‘preserve of the rich’.
the Department for transport is understood to back the move, paving the way for a clash with other parts of the Government when the plans are discussed. Health Secretary Sajid javid could be reluctant as his department has insisted that, because Pcr swabs can be sent for genomic sequencing, they are crucial for tracking variants. johan lundgren, head of airline easyjet, warned that the industry will suffer if the rules are not changed. He said: ‘this would be a worrying move which suggests the new normal for travelling has testing baked in for everyone, regardless of their vaccination status.
‘Not only does this mean we continue to fall behind Europe – where testing is not required for vaccinated passengers travelling to low-risk countries – but if the UK Government continues to be wedded to unnecessary and expensive testing for all, flying will be a preserve of the rich.’
While tim Alderslade of Airlines UK said: ‘if you’ve been fully vaccinated and travelling from a low-risk country you shouldn’t have to take an expensive test when you return.’
the testing system has been mired in controversy amid some private companies advertising misleading prices.
the competition and Markets Authority warned firms about the issue and is investigating one of the largest providers, Expert Medicals. Some 57 firms were removed from the Government’s website last month, with 82 given a final warning.