Holidaymakers arriving home from countries not featured on the Government’s travel corridor list will be able to reduce their self-isolation by up to a week under new plans announced by the Government.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that from 15th December, passengers will have the option to take a test after five days of self-isolation, with a negative result releasing them from the need to isolate.
Those opting into the scheme will have to book and pay for a Covid-19 test from a private provider on the gov.uk list.
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.”
The DoT says this is to ensure that NHS Test and Trace testing capacity is protected.
Under the ‘Test to release for international 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 five days before taking a test – rather than taking it at their port of arrival.
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “Ensuring that safe travel is possible has been a priority for the Global Travel Taskforce.
“This test on day five of the 14-day self-isolation period will identify positive coronavirus cases and allow those who test negative to return to work and see their loved ones while abiding by domestic coronavirus restrictions.
“This will be done at the cost of the traveller to protect the capacity of NHS Test and Trace and ensure that any UK resident who has symptoms is able to get a test.”
