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Sajid Javid: Removing pre-departure tests risks lockdown
Health Secretary Sajid Javid says the removal of pre-departure tests for arrivals heightens the risk of another lockdown.
Javid opposed the move to ditch pre-departure tests, The Times reports.
Boris Johnson announced pre-departure testing would be scrapped from Friday.
In addition PCR tests two days after entering the UK are replaced with cheaper lateral flow tests.
The need to quarantine before receiving a negative result was also removed.
Javid reportedly told ministers removing the PCR tests limits the ability to detect future variants early.
It risks a more transmissible strain of Covid quickly spreading in the UK without warning.
Javid warned of ‘having to shut down the entire economy’ if that happened.
However Business Minister Paul Scully said no further Covid restrictions are expected ‘at this moment in time.’
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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