When will the amber list plus update be? What we know about UK travel rules changes for amber countries

There are fears Spain and Greece could be added to the new “amber-plus” list, bringing again quarantine for totally vaccinated travellers.

As of Monday 19 July, UK residents arriving back from amber-list destinations can avoid self-isolating in the event that they acquired their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the least 14 days prior.

Nevertheless, last week a new “amber-plus” category was created, with France immediately being placed on it.

The choice got here because of issues about rising numbers of cases of the Beta variant, first found in South Africa.

The transfer has been closely criticised by the journey trade, however that won’t cease the Authorities including extra locations to the checklist.

What’s the ‘amber-plus’ checklist?

UK travellers arriving again from “amber-plus” international locations must quarantine for up to 10 days, no matter their vaccination standing.

They have to additionally take a PCR take a look at on or earlier than day two of their arrival, and one other on day eight.

Double-jabbed individuals can take a further take a look at on day 5, and go away quarantine early if the result’s damaging.

Nevertheless, they nonetheless should take the day eight take a look at.

People who find themselves not totally vaccinated should quarantine for the complete 10 days – as they do for amber checklist international locations.

When is the ‘amber-plus’ announcement?

ITV Information reported that extra international locations could possibly be added to the “amber-plus” checklist forward of the subsequent journey assessment.

Nevertheless, The Telegraph is reporting a Authorities supply saying France was a “one off”, and that new international locations will not be added till the subsequent formal journey assessment subsequent week.

Which international locations could possibly be added?

Final week, Paul Charles, chief government of journey consultancy The PC Company, told i: “The concern is the Government will be looking at Spain and Greece and probably add these to the ‘amber-plus’ class.

“While you have a look at the most recent tables, the Balearics have very excessive charges, why aren’t the Authorities as involved concerning the Balearics as they’re about France? I feel we may even see additional modifications as international locations see larger an infection charges.”

There have been 116 instances of the Beta variant in Spain during the last month – greater than the 72 seen in France.

In keeping with the Gisaid Analysis Centre, 9.3 per cent of coronavirus instances in Spain have been the Beta variant, in comparison with 3.7 per cent in France.

Moreover, Spain’s seven-day an infection charge has now reached 378 per 100,000 individuals, in contrast with 122 in France.

Greece’s seven-day charge can also be above France, at 174 per 100,000 individuals. Like Spain, it’s seeing rising instances of the Beta variant.

Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis has pleaded with the UK Authorities to not add Greece to the “amber-plus” checklist, insisting: “Greece is a protected nation.”

There are a handful of different European international locations which are additionally susceptible to being added.

Information analyst Tim White informed The Telegraph: “Luxembourg has very excessive incidence of the Brazilian variant, so should absolutely be purple at the least ‘amber plus’.

“Belgium, Netherlands and Germany have to be in danger too – low incidence of variants however might change.”

The Beta variant is assessed as a “variant of concern”. It carries a mutation which is assumed to make it extra contagious. Nevertheless, there isn’t a proof to recommend it makes individuals extra unwell.

One research confirmed that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will not be as efficient at defending in opposition to this variant. Due to this, Oxford/AstraZeneca is now trialling a brand new model of its vaccine particularly tailor-made to guard in opposition to Beta.