New Test and Release protocols could cut quarantine restrictions for travellers arriving in the country from abroad.
The new rules, which come into effect next month, will see those facing two weeks of quarantine asked to isolate for five days before taking a privately funded Covid test. If it is negative, they may then leave quarantine.
Gatwick Airport will open a new ExpressTest Centre at its South Terminal this week and Crawley MP Henry Smith called the new rules positive news for the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.
He said:
“The announcement of a COVID-19 testing regime for international travellers is positive news for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors; it will allow us to restart commercial air travel with confidence once restrictions are lifted.
“It also provides much-needed clarity and certainty which will be essential to these sectors’ recovery from the deeply damaging effects of this pandemic.
“I’m grateful to the Government and the Prime Minister’s Global Travel Taskforce for listening to the calls for testing made by industry and from all sides of the political divide. It’s essential for ensuring that global Britain is open for business and today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by all.
“UK-wide the pandemic’s impact continues to be devastating on airport communities as well as the aviation, travel and tourism sectors as a whole, but today’s announcement is a very important step in helping these sectors to recover and to play their full role in our national economic recovery.”
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