UK cuts its quarantine policy to five days for some travellers

Some passengers arriving in the United Kingdom will be able to significantly reduce their quarantine time starting Dec. 15. 

Indeed, it will be reduced from 14 to 5 days, for those who may present a negative COVID-19 test result on the fifth day following arrival.

The World Travel & Tourism Council applauds the move, saying it will constitute "significant progress in boosting travel, especially for leisure travellers."

At the same time, however, the WTTC criticizes the fact that this measure will not be accessible to all, since the COVID tests cost from 65 to 120 £.

The WTTC recommends that quarantine measures be reduced or completely replaced by systematic and internationally recognized screening test initially, until a vaccine is widely available.

“Reducing the extremely disruptive 14-day quarantine to just five days with a test, although rather expensive, will be welcomed as real progress in the travel and tourism sector,” said Gloria Guevara , CEO of the WTTC.

The NACC also applauds

In Canada, the measure announced by the United Kingdom is also welcomed.

“We are encouraged by the UK government's decision to take a science-based approach and reduce quarantine measures following testing. This is an important step in fostering the resumption of airline operations and safe travel," the National Airlines Council of Canada said in a press release.

The NACC represents Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet .

"We will continue to work with the Canadian government to push for a clear and effective testing regime so that we in turn can address Canada's quarantine and travel restrictions," stated Mike McNaney, CEO of NACC. 

The association said that in recent months, Air Canada and WestJet, in collaboration with their airport partners, have launched test programs in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, to ease travel restrictions - "to the 'like what the UK government has done so far'.

The CNLA says the current restrictions risk reducing Canadian GDP by $27 billion to $37 billion and impacting 400,000 to 500,000 jobs. 

“Testing will be a key element as governments around the world begin to adjust their quarantine and travel policies in the wake of testing.  We need to ensure that Canadian policy is aligned with international best practices," said McNaney.

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