London: Passengers from countries which Britain considers unsafe in terms of Covid-19 will also get relief from next month. Under the scheme, passengers coming from unsafe areas will have to stay in self-isolation for just five days instead of the current two weeks, provided the Covid-19 investigation report does not confirm the infection. The change in the separation rules was announced by the UK on Tuesday and will take effect from 15 December.
This change has been awaited by the travel industry for a long time, most affected by the Covid-19 epidemic. Under the new rules, travelers to the UK can now reduce their 14-day isolation period by having a Covid-19 test in a private laboratory on or after the fifth day of their stay. The probable cost of this investigation will be around 100 pounds (about 10 thousand rupees). It usually takes 48 hours for the test results to come, but sometimes the results come on the same day. However, the new rule will not apply to those coming from other parts of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and they will have to stay in isolation for 14 days as before. “Our new investigative strategy will allow us to travel more freely, to meet our loved ones, and to travel for international business,” said Transport Minister Grant Shaps. “By giving people the option of an investigation five days later, we are also helping the travel industry, which is trying to recover from the epidemic,” he said.
