COVID-19: UK scraps traffic light system, removes 8 countries from Red List

In a major respite for battered travellers, UK has scrapped its Red-Amber-Green list in favour of a ‘simpler’ Red list of high-risk countries. As a part of an overhaul of rules from October 4, British authorities have ended ir controversial traffic light system, which implied discreet testing and quarantine rules for different countries. In addition, mandatory COVID tests for passengers returning from ‘safe’ countries have also been nixed. 

"From later in October, (fully vaccinated travelers) will be able to replace day two PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow," he added, referring to test required two days after arriving in England.

new regulations will help in ‘striking right balance to man public health risk as .1 priority," British transport minister Grant Shapps said. tably, coronavirus caseload of country rose by 206,332 in last seven days, according to latest tally by British government. Additionally, 995 people lost ir lives last week. 

8 countries out of Red List 

Shapps also said that eight countries- Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Kenya- would be removed from Red List. At present, a total of 61 countries are on Red list, including popular tourist destinations - Turkey and Seychelles. Elaborating on update, Shapps reckoned that revised measured aimed at reducing costs and are possible due to higher levels of vaccination in country.

Earlier, British government had anunced that Indian travellers would longer be subjected to mandatory ten days of hotel quarantine. UK’s Department of Transport in a statement said that new rule came into effect starting 4 am local time on Sunday, that is August 8. Due to huge expenses and hassle involved, re was a growing demand for easing travel rms between two countries. As per new rule, all passengers from India would have to quarantine mselves at ir homes or at a place y’ve registered with authorities. total duration of isolation has also been reduced from 14 days to 10. All travellers would be required to take a COVID-19 test on or before day two and on or after day eight. 

Im: AP