TRAVELLERS arriving in England will be able to bypass the two-week quarantine period if they test negative for Covid-19, under measures being introduced by the UK Government.
However, it’s only open to those who can afford to splash out between £65 and £120 for a private test.
The Scottish Government have yet to say if they’ll be bringing in a similar system for travellers entering Scotland.
The new system, which will come into force south of the Border on December 15, allows passengers arriving from a destination not on the travel corridors list to take a test on or after their fifth day in the country.
With results normally be issued in 24 to 48 hours, it could see people allowed back onto the streets after just six days, instead of 14.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We have a plan in place to ensure that our route out of this pandemic is careful and balanced, allowing us to focus on what we can now do to bolster international travel while keeping the public safe.
“Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business. 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.”
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary was sceptical about the move.
He told the BBC: “I think the idea is not very well thought-out.
“I think the problem with this system in the UK is that you only have to isolate for five days. And we know that people simply don’t isolate.”
O’Leary said it would be more effective to test passengers before they get on a flight.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta, said: “The test to release scheme in England should help to make overseas travel more attractive and manageable for both holidaymakers and business travellers.
“There is still more work to be done to get more people travelling and to support the recovery of the sector, including having a testing scheme in place for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Government moving to a regional approach to quarantine and travel advice.”
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