Pre-departure Covid tests for travellers entering England are expected to be axed this week, according to government sources. The move comes as experts claim Omicron is less severe for the fully vaccinated, making the requirement redundant.
A senior Whitehall insider said the pre-departure test, which can cost around £80, will be among the restrictions dropped in the upcoming review of Plan B measures. The government no longer needs the data from these tests as the Omicron variant is already widespread in the UK.
Travel expert Paul Charles, CEO of the PC Agency, welcomed the potential change, stating that the constant switching of measures has damaged consumer confidence. He called for the removal of both pre-departure and Day 2 PCR tests, arguing that lateral flow tests on arrival are sufficient.
Ministers have indicated that no further Covid restrictions are likely in England despite rising cases. Edward Argar, a minister at the Department of Health, said there is 'nothing in the data' to suggest additional curbs are needed, while Steve Barclay noted that increased testing uptake shows the public is taking sensible precautions.
