DOUBLE-JABBED Brits could head off on summer hols abroad under fresh plans to open up travel again, it’s reported.
It’s understood that officials are drawing up plans to allow fully-vaccinated travellers to head away on sunshine breaks – without the need for quarantine upon their return.
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And amber list countries – which currently include Portugal, Spain and Greece – would be on the list of places would-be holidaymakers could go.
The change would effectively create a brand new travel green list for anyone who has had both Covid jabs, the Telegraph reports.
And it means top destinations in Europe and the US could reopen to tourists.
It comes as:
- Face masks won’t be a legal requirement on public transport from July 19, says Matt Hancock
- A health chief has warned daily cases could be ‘up to 25,000’ – and 25 Covid variants are currently being monitored
- Britain now has the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe as the Indian – or Delta – mutation sends cases soaring
- Care home staff will reportedly be legally obliged to get the jab to protect residents
- The JCVI says children shouldn’t be given the jab until more is known about the risks
However, the proposals – which come over a week after Portugal was put on the amber list, causing chaos for thousands – are at a very early stage.
And surprisingly, Matt Hancock, who has previously argued for tougher borders, is said to be “open” to the scheme.
A senior source told the publication: “They haven’t got there yet, but that’s the direction of travel.”
The proposal will be discussed within the next fortnight – and possibly ahead of a new deadline of June 28, when ministers have pledged to review the current, and much-loathed, traffic light system.
Officials are still looking into the details – including whether a new rule would be limited just to Brits, or to all arrivals, and what exemptions could apply to those without vaccinations.
They’re also considering how to work around children under 18.
Health chiefs are set to recommend that youngsters don’t yet get the jab until much more is known about any potential risks.
The source said: “It’s still at an early stage and it’s not clear whether it’ll be worked out in time for the end of the month.
“There’s an awful lot to do. The devil is in the detail.”
Holiday-makers on half-term breaks were left reeling earlier this month when the Government announced Portugal would go back on the amber list.
Thousands faced soaring flight costs in a desperate bid to get back home before the new restrictions took hold.
And – despite the talks – any chances for international travel this summer currently look slim.
Boris Johnson announced on Monday that the UK’s ‘freedom day’ cannot go ahead, as planned, on June 21.
Instead, it was pushed back to July – meaning embattled nightclubs must remain shut, while strict limits remain on numbers at sporting matches and in pubs and restaurants.
Just a handful of countries are currently on the green list – with just Israel, Gibraltar and Ireland potential holiday hotspots.
A Government spokesman said: “As set out in the Global Travel Taskforce, we are working with industry for a safe return to international travel, guided by one overwhelming priority, public health.
“Decisions on our traffic light system are kept under constant review, and based on a range of health factors.
“Recognising the strong strategic rationale and success of the vaccine programme, we have commenced work to consider the role of vaccinations in shaping a different set of health and testing measures for inbound travel.”
And Henry Smith, the Tory chairman of the all-party Future of Aviation group, said the UK will be an outsider if it doesn’t follow the same rules on travel as many EU nations.
At least 33 countries, including Germany, France, Spain and Greece, exempt vaccinated passengers from quarantine.
“If we don’t do it, we will be at a significant disadvantage to our international competitors. Public health paranoia will have trumped common sense if we don’t go down that route,” Mr Smith said.
