The UK government authorities have confirmed that fully jabbed passengers returning to England and Wales from France would still be need to quarantine beginning Monday.
The travel sector has dubbed the move a “catastrophe.”
Adults who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 who arrive from countries on the Amber List will no longer need to isolate for ten days as of July 19th. Officials have stated, however, that the relaxation will not apply to France because of “persistent” cases of the Beta variant, which was first detected in South Africa. It’s possible that vaccines won’t function as well against the Beta variant.
Almost all new cases in the UK are caused by the highly virulent Delta form, which was first discovered in India.
“We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination programme,” said Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
“With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure international travel is conducted as safely as possible, and protect our borders from the threat of variants.”
The decision has been met with significant criticism.
“The UK has no coherent policy on international travel,” said Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), adding that the country is “destroying its own travel sector and the thousands of jobs that rely on it.”
Gary Lewis, the chief executive of the Travel Network Group, shared these thoughts. He said: “The last few government announcements are a catastrophe for the travel industry.
“Creating confusion and worry not of the virus but in customers’ fear of their freedom being restricted on return from travel. People want and need to travel. Customers are not scared of the risks. The vast majority are no longer at high risk of this disease because we are jabbed, or are young.”
According to an ABTA representative, the decision is likely to cause more confusion.
“While we understand that public health must come first, this announcement will undoubtedly dent consumer confidence in overseas travel just as we are about to see many amber-listed countries opening up for UK visitors in time for the summer holidays.
According to a statement, continued modifications to travel restrictions will stall any genuine recovery for the business, and this news is just the latest example of why a customised package of financial help for the travel and tourism sector is needed.
