Uh-oh, spaghettio: Could Italy be next in line on UK quarantine list?
Italy could be the next country to be added to the quarantine list after the number of coronavirus cases surged past the UK’s threshold for reimposing restrictions.
Over the last seven days, the number of cases per 100,000 has ticked up to 31.0, according to travel consultancy the PC Agency.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps has said that any country reporting more than 20 cases per 100,000 over a week-long period would be in line to be added to the list.
The list will be updated later today. Last week, Turkey and Poland were added.
Based on the data, mainland Greece could also be in line to be added. Cases per 100,000 currently stand at 23.
Seven Greek islands, including party destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Zante, are already on the restricted list.
So too could Estonia, which saw its number leap up to 26 overnight.
For the first time, Germany has also seen cases tick above the threshold, with the rate now standing at 20.3.
By contrast, the number of cases per 100,000 in the UK currently sits at 126 – higher than all but four of the countries on the red list.
Paul Charles, chief exec of the PC Agency, said: “The resurgence of Covid-19 has caught up with Italy which has until recently managed to successfully keep a lid on new infections.
“Its testing is still extensive and that has contributed to some of the rise but sadly it’s now in a position where it’s facing similar issues as much of Europe.
“It may be added to the quarantine list today due to the growing infection rate and the higher test positivity in the wider community.”
Travellers returning from any country which has seen restrictions reimposed have to quarantine for 14 days on return.
Those who do not abide by the restrictions have been threatened with a maximum fine of up to £10,000 for repeat offences.
If Italy and Greece are made subject to the restrictions, it will mean that the vast majority of mainland Europe is under the restriction, in a major blow for airlines and travel firms.
Government launches airport testing review
The regime was initially praised by companies when it was first introduced over the hopes that it could help boost their recovery from the crisis, but the subsequent “tinkering” has hit passenger confidence, London Southend chief exec Glyn Jones told City PM .
“[Confidence] has been completely undermined by the continuous changes in government positions, particularly on quarantine”, he said.
He repeated calls for the government to implement an airport testing system instead.
However, speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Shapps instead launched a new Global Travel Taskforce to review how to put such a regime in place.
“This new taskforce 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”, he said.
Airlines welcomed the step, but said that ministers needed to move to implementing a testing regime as soon as possible.
“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction by the UK Government to restart the economy and protect thousands of jobs across the country”, said Easyjet, Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow and Manchester Airports in a joint statement.
“We support the decision to opt for a single test, private sector-led, passenger-funded approach, that does not impact on the NHS in any way.
“But travellers need a firm commitment that a comprehensive testing regime will be implemented in early November.”
They added that a test on day five of quarantine, as is already being used in Germany, should be the starting point for officials.