The government have set up a taskforce who are to develop a testing system for travellers entering the UK.
The taskforce “will identify options to reduce the self-isolation period while protecting public health,” with recommendations expected next month.
Aviation chiefs have been repeatedly calling for testing at airports to stop the 14-day quarantine period which has affected thousands of jobs and the economy.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that advances in science “means we can now intensify efforts to develop options for a testing regime and help reinvigorate our world-leading travel sector.”
Shapps added, “This new task force will not only help us move towards safer, smoother international travel as we continue to battle this virus but will also support global connectivity, helping facilitate more Covid-secure travel whilst protecting the population from imported cases.”
The taskforce will jointly be chaired by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Shapps.
However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the government’s proposals do not go as far as needed.
The airline body said that 80% of travellers will not fly if there is a 14-day quarantine period in place.
IATA said, “A reduction in the length of quarantine is the very minimum needed to restart travel demand.”
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