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This report was well received by the struggling aviation industry.
Beginning December 15, travelers arriving by plane, ferry or train will be able to shorten their quarantine period if their COVID-19 test is negative at least five days after arrival.
Currently, arrivals must be isolated for 14 days, with Britain registering more than 55,000. Coronavirus-related deaths are the highest among all European countries.
“This is a very welcome step in relaunching the process of reviving international travel and shaking up UK aviation,” said a statement from Airlines UK in preparation for the government to lift coronavir-related restrictions in England next week.
Airlines UK added that it would like to see “as soon as possible” “pre-departure testing or testing procedures in-country to safely dispense with the need to isolate.”
Johan Lundgren, director of the British low-cost airline EasyJet, agrees.
“We have always said that the introduction of an effective testing regimen that shortens the duration of the quarantine is an important (factor) that will encourage people to travel again,” he said in a statement.
Relaxing restrictions is expected to require passengers to book a private check and self-quarantine in advance.
Those who choose not to take the test will have to comply with the isolation requirement for two weeks.
“Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see our loved ones and take business trips abroad,” said Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps.
“By giving people the option to test on the fifth day, we are also supporting the travel industry recovering from the pandemic,” he said.
The UK government regulates transport policy in England, and separate administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland issue separate ordinances for their territories.
London changed its position after receiving evidence that the COVID-19 test after five days of isolation “actually gives better results” than the test on arrival.
This new strategy is accompanied by a plan to provide financial support to commercial airports in England.
“The aviation industry is essential to our economy: it creates jobs and growth,” said Finance Minister Rishis Sunak.
“The new airport support package, together with the new foreign arrival testing regime, will help the sector recover as we recover from the pandemic,” he said.
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