The UK government should go farther than slashing the number of countries on the red list and should scrap the system entirely, a travel industry expert has said.
New rules to make travel to England “easier and cheaper” came into force on Monday, removing the amber list and the need for several expensive PCR tests for passengers and their families.
The number of countries on the red list is tipped to be cut from 54 to nine, as early as Thursday, with destinations such as Brazil, Mexico and South Africa expected to be opened up to quarantine-free travel.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency which led the Save Our Summer campaign, said the overhaul to the red list was "not before time" and should have happened months ago.
He predicted that there would be "very few countries left" on the list after the announcement and that Mexico was one of the more popular destinations likely to be opened up to British travellers.
More remote countries, such as Afghanistan, Haiti and Somalia will remain on the red list, with the “blanket measures on Africa and South America removed”.
But, he said, many of the regulations still in place were unnecessary given that the spread of dangerous variants appeared to be contained.
"There is no justification for having so many countries on the red list. There's no evidence of new variants and that Covid is out of control," he told The National.
Mr Charles backed calls to scrap the red list and hotel quarantine system, saying that it was no longer fit-for-purpose and said testing for double-vaccinated people should be greatly reduced.
It comes as the World Travel & Tourism Council predicted a "sluggish" recovery in the UK industry unless these restrictions were removed and said millions of jobs had already been lost globally.
I think for the fully-jabbed there should be no need for anything other than an antigen test, an NHS test should do
Paul Charles,
travel analyst
"I think for the fully-jabbed there should be no need for anything other than an antigen test, an NHS test should do", Mr Charles said. PCR tests could then be taken if symptoms emerge, he said.
"Ireland had one of the toughest [hotel quarantine] policies and now even they are getting rid of it – it's relic of old Covid rules."
Meanwhile, coronavirus data analyst Tim White believes “up to 18” countries could remain on the red list.
He described reports that the list could be cut to just nine as “optimistic”.
Mexico “looks certain to be removed” but Thailand “may well stay red”, Mr White said on Twitter.
Under the UK government's new scheme, fully vaccinated arrivals who did not originate from a red list country will be asked to take just one lateral flow test on day two, compared with a more expensive PCR test.
Arrivals were previously asked to complete a pre-departure lateral flow test, take a day-eight post-arrival PCR test costing about £65 ($88), or self-isolate at home.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Monday the rule changes were "good news for families, businesses and the travel sector", but that protecting public health was the most important objective.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, a trade body representing UK airlines, welcomed the decision.
"Things are moving in the right direction and the removal of these restrictions will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel.
"We've seen a good response to the announcement in terms of bookings and, given current trends, we would hope to see more countries come off the red list and further mutual recognition of vaccine status."
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Specs
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Mobile phone packages comparison
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
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ENGLAND%20SQUAD
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
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- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
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Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
