Test confusion as Omicron travel curbs take effect

Sunday, 07 Dec, 2021 0

New Omicron travel curbs are now effective as more than 300 confirmed cases of the new variant have been identified.

Travellers entering the country must now take a pre-departure test and show a negative result, and take another PCR test within two days of arrival.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed there is community transmission of Omicron in several areas of England.

There are confirmed cases ‘with no links to international travel.’

However, Omicron has not led to any hospitalisations yet.

Despite the growing numbers, no Plan B domestic restrictions are expected for Christmas, Dominic Raab said.

This is down to the ‘success of the vaccine programme’ the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The updated travel rules have caused confusion over the exact validity of a pre-departure test.

Rules say that the test must be taken on the day of departure, or the two preceding days.

This mean tests can potentially be taken more than 48 hours before.

There is no actual ’48-hour’ rule for tests, despite conflicting advice from government.

"Uncertainty, and a lack of transparency on decision making, is destroying consumer confidence in travel’ said Charlie Cornish, CEO, Manchester Airports Group.

"Our customers will now be faced with uncertainty and chaos’ added Sean Doyle, British Airways CEO.

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TravelMole Editorial Team

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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