The UK is making ‘good progress’ towards testing at UK airports according to the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps.
The aim is to launch the programme for incoming passengers from December 2, 2020 when the current lockdown ends.
The hope is that the tests would result in a shorter quarantine period than the current 14 days.
Trans Sec @grantshapps joins #AOAConf20 and acknowledges impact on UK aviation far worse ever before. Says making good progress on 'test to release' system to give much reduced period of quarantine once this lockdown is over… pic.twitter.com/lsE54fz6V2
— AOA (@AOA_UK) November 9, 2020
Grant Shapps said the government aimed to launch a testing programme after England’s lockdown ends – currently due to be 2 December.
A taskforce has been working on implementation for some weeks.
UK government unveils taskforce to reduce 14-day quarantine for travellers
The tests would be paid for by passengers.
The ‘test and release’ proposals have been urged on the government by the travel industry for many months.
Further details are expected to be revealed in a few hours by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and this story will be updated.
