COVID-19 testing regime detrimental to Christmas plans for many

Commenting on the Health Secretary’s statement in the House of Commons that all remaining countries will be removed from the red list, Airport Operators Association (AOA) Chief Executive, Karen Dee said:

“The removal of all the countries from the red list is a welcome recognition that these measures have little purpose when omicron is rapidly becoming the dominant variant in the UK. It is difficult to understand why the UK and devolved governments did not recognise that the same logic applies to the blanket, expensive and burdensome testing regime.

“The UK is only country currently that requires both a pre-departure test and a post-arrival test for all arrivals, regardless of vaccination status. UK tests remain significantly more expensive compared to the rest of Europe. They therefore place a heavy burden on families just as many were hoping to finally reunite with loved ones who live abroad over the Christmas period.

“The four UK governments should urgently reinstate the pre-Omicron travel regime, or risk ruining Christmas plans for so many across the country.”