The UK’s transport secretary says the global travel taskforce
has made good progress on what he called a ‘test to release’ programme that
could be launched “once we’re out of lockdown”.
Speaking to the Airport Operators Association today, Grant
Shapps said the programme would feature a single Covid test on arrival into the
UK, provided by the private sector and at the cost of the passenger.
He said the scheme would allow “a much reduced period of self
isolation”.
Shapps
said, “Beyond the lockdown, this should encourage many more people to book
flights with confidence knowing there is an option that allows them to shorten
self-isolation.
“We
have been working extensively with health experts and the private testing
sector on the practicalities of the new regime. For example, making sure that
it doesn’t impact on NHS capacity.”
He added: “We will report to the Prime Minister very soon, with
recommendations how we can support the recovery of international tourism and
travel and increase consumer confidence.”
Shapps said that the government was also working with a number of partner countries to
consider self-isolation and testing options that could be performed before
departure.
“I know it’s been confusing for passengers trying to understand
different testing regimes for each nation so we are leading international work
to develop a framework for international travel to provide global consistency,”
he said.