Government set to relax quarantine rules as holidays take off

The government are set to relax the 14-day quarantine rules that came into effect on 8 June as holidays are to get the green light next week.

Spain, Greece and France are the first countries to open their holiday destinations for Britons who will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine upon entry and on return back to the UK.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has agreed that official government restrictions on “non-essential travel” will be lifted from 6 July.

An “re, amber and green” alert system is to be introduced, and those who travel from a “red or amber” country will be forced to observe the 14-day quarantine, of ace a fine up to £1,000.

A Government spokeswoman said on Saturday, “Our public health measures at the border were put in place to manage the risk of imported cases and help prevent a second wave of the virus, and will continue to support our fight against coronavirus.

“Our new risk-assessment system will enable us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world, giving people the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad and boosting the UK economy through tourism and business.

“But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge, and this system will enable us to take swift action to re-introduce self-isolation measures if new outbreaks occur overseas.”

Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed on Friday to the BBC, “I know that Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, is giving this a lot of consideration so that the quarantine provisions that we have got in place can perhaps start to be relaxed with certain countries where the risk is low.

“I don’t know exactly when further information will be announced but I know that it is something the government is working on. I know it is being considered.”