DOUBLE-jabbed Brits returning from amber list countries reportedly won’t have to quarantine after July 19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce the move this week in welcome news for the struggling travel industry.
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Downing Street sources said the decision wasn’t confirmed yet as some details needed to be confirmed – including in relation to unvaccinated kids, the Mail on Sunday reported.
The sources also reportedly said that fully-vaccinated travellers would still have to take one Covid test before they left and another two when they got back.
The PM is also expected to lift strict quarantine rules on ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19.
Right now Brits who go overseas to amber list countries have to stay inside for 10 days on their return.
They also need to take a pre-arrival Covid test, as well as tests on day two and day eight of quarantine.
However, Brits can pay for a fourth test as part of the Test to Release scheme, meaning they can leave the self-isolation earlier.
Popular travel hotspots including Spain, Portugal and Greece are on the amber list, making summer holidays unrealistic for many.
Sources said plans involving the use of e-gates at airports to limit queues and make travel easier for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers were being developed “as quickly as possible”, according to the Mail.
There may reportedly be time-consuming paper checks when travellers return before the e-gates are rolled out.
RULE ENDER
It comes as Sajid Javid vowed to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions on July 19 as he plans to make Britain the “most open country in Europe”.
The Health Secretary said his main challenges as he takes up his new role are how to restore our freedoms and how to tackle the NHS backlog.
Mentioning the sacrifices made by British people during the coronavirus pandemic, he said it is impossible to eliminate the disease completely, so we will need to find ways to cope with it.
The Health Secretary also urged everyone to get their jab as soon as they are offered one, describing the vaccination programme as “the single biggest contribution you can make to this national effort”.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he said: “We are on track for July 19 and we have to be honest with people about the fact that we cannot eliminate Covid.
“The economic arguments for opening up are well known, but for me, the health arguments are equally compelling.”
Among the Freedom Day plans expected to be signed off by the Cabinet include those who have received both doses of a Covid jab not being required to self-isolate when they come into contact with someone who tests positive for the virus.
Tests will still be available for those who wish to have one.
Pupils could be asked to take daily tests instead of self-isolating at home if someone in their class contracts the virus.
Also, pubs and shops will no longer need to demand that customers give their details for track and trace or that they sign in with a QR code.
Mask wearing will be ditched when Covid restrictions are finally relaxed on Freedom Day.
Mr Johnson will end the need to check in by signing a form or scanning a code when you go to a pub or restaurant.
Ministers are also discussing the possibility of allowing boozers to order drinks at the bar again.
One minister told Trending In The News on Sunday: “It’s all about learning to live with Covid. This virus is going to be around for some time and with so many of us now vaccinated, we’re going to have to make up our own minds on when to cover up.”
Meanwhile, teachers will be expected to be double-jabbed before kids go back to school in September.
