The word on the ground is that holidaymakers who have had both doses of the vaccination may no longer need to quarantine when returning home from an amber list country.
In terms of timing, there may be some weeks to wait. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told BBC Breakfast:
“We’re not ready to be able to take that step yet, but it’s something that I want to see and we will introduce, subject to clinical advice, as soon as it’s reasonable to do so.
It is absolutely something we are working on.”
At the same time, Boris Johnson dampened down hopes by warning that holidaymakers are likely to experience and delays “hassle”. He said:
“I want to stress that this is going to be, whatever happens, a difficult year for travel.
“There will be hassle, there will be delays, I am afraid, because the priority has got to be to keep the country safe and stop the virus coming back in.”
So while there is a glimmer of hope, it is unlikely summer holidays will be saved.
Currently, travellers returning from amber list countries must isolate at home for ten days and take two PCR tests, one on the second day and another on the eighth day.
As it is not illegal to travel to an amber list country those that don’t mind the cost of PCR tests (which could amount to £245 per person), and have no issue with self-isolation for 10 days can go ahead and travel.
Hancock said the NHS App will be key to enable travellers to show proof of their vaccination:
“We can now, all of us, see our vaccine status on the NHS App. It’s important because we know other countries are going to say that they want proof.”
Will the green list be expanded?
The government is due to announce new travel restrictions plans on Thursday which could include expanding the green list.
Though scientists are saying that some countries, including Barbados, Malta, Germany Croatia and the US, with low incidences of Covid-19, and a good rollout of vaccinations are good contenders, there are still those in government who want to remain cautious.
