England to cut quarantine period for arrivals from overseas
- by Leona Burton
- in World Media
- — Nov 25, 2020
The government is advising travellers to book a test before they travel from a provider on a gov.uk list.
"It is important that the test to release scheme is kept under review, to make sure that advancements in testing are used to further reduce quarantine to as short a period as possible".
The new strategy for testing worldwide arrivals will come into force from December 15th.
Half of England could be placed into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions - tier 3 - after the national lockdown ends on 2 December, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said.
More news: Taylor Swift 'Folklore' Concert Film to Debut on Disney PlusUnder the new rules, passengers from places not on the government's travel corridor list can reduce the 14-day quarantine period by paying for a test from a private firm on or after Day 5 of their arrival at a potential cost of around 100 pounds ($133).
They can then take a test on or after day 5 of the isolation period either at home or at a private provider's testing site, and on receipt of a negative result, can immediately finish self-isolating and return to following domestic rules. "By giving people the choice to test on day five, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic".
Under the "Test to release for global travel" strategy, passengers arriving into England by plane, ferry or train should book their test before they travel; must complete a passenger locator form; and will still need to self-isolate for 5 days before taking a test - rather than taking it at their port of arrival.
Arriving passengers will quarantine initially but can end this if they test negative.
More news: San Diego County reports record 1,546 new COVID-19 casesThe tests from private firms will cost between 65 pounds (about 86.66 US dollars) and 120 pounds (about 160 USA dollars), said the BBC.
"Through our safer travel pledge we are cleaning more often and providing better travel information, and we're asking people to help others by washing their hands regularly and wearing a face covering, unless exempt". The threat of a 14 day quarantine period is deterring much travel, and the frequently changing inclusion on the government's quarantine-free list of countries has not helped. Those that do not want to take the test remain subject to the 14-days quarantine. Heathrow has a departure testing center ready for this (but is now in use only for Hong Kong departures).
"A test at day five does not get rid of quarantine and that's why we look forward to working with government to move towards a pre-departure or domestic testing regime".
He said that although half the country may be placed in the strictest tier three alert level, this will still allow for more freedoms than the national lockdown now in place for England. Traveling out of a tier-three area for non-essential purposes will not be permitted, leaving travel to airports and overseas somewhat uncertain.
More news: Loughlin's Daughters Aren't Taking Her Jail Time WellWhat do you think about the shortening of quarantine when entering the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
