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England is one of the most visited countries in the world, with millions of travelers flocking to its shores each year to visit London, to take in the royal palaces and to sample its wonderful country lifestyle. Covid-19, with its associated restrictions and measures, may have made England less appealing to prospective travelers, but that is soon set to change.
That's because England is set to drop the majority of its Covid-19 restrictions in two weeks, making the country a far more attractive proposition to would-be travelers. Here's a look at which restrictions are going, and how they will affect travelers.
Covid-19 in England – Information For Travelers
Despite being an island nation, England has struggled greatly with the pandemic, and saw its government come under stern criticism for not reacting quickly or strongly enough. Two spikes at the latter end of 2020 tailed off to leave April and May as months that consistently reported around 2000 daily cases of Covid-19, before it rose again once more. Currently, the UK is averaging just over 20,000 new cases of the virus each day.
Despite a sharp rise in cases in the past few weeks, England is reporting strong vaccination figures. At present, 68% of its population have had one dose of the vaccine, whilst 50% have had a full course of vaccinations against Covid-19. Britain’s vaccination statistics are amongst the best in the world – which could prove to be invaluable as the country continues to fight the rampant spread of the Delta variant within its borders.
England Drops Restrictions – What Travelers Should Know
Despite the situation seemingly getting worse once more, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed to the nation on Monday that England would end most of its Covid-19 restrictions this month. Whilst the decision has been criticized by some scientists, it has been warmly received by the English public, who have been through several tough lockdowns throughout the course of the pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference, Boris Johnson revealed that most of the country’s Covid-19 related statistics would be gone by July 19th – a date that many in the country are referring to as “Freedom Day”. From this date, all legal requirements to wear a mask will be lifted – even for those within healthcare settings – though guidance will be provided to help people choose as to whether they want to wear one or not.
Speaking about the move, Johnson said:
“Guidance will suggest where you might choose to do so – especially when cases are rising and where you come into contact with people you don't usually meet in enclosed spaces, such as obviously crowded public transport.”
As well as mask-wearing no longer being required, social distancing will be a thing of the past, and all businesses that are currently closed will be allowed to open once more, such as nightclubs. Music festivals will be allowed once more, whilst pubs and restaurants will no longer be table service only. People will not be required to “scan in” to any locations, whilst businesses will also not be required to collect contact tracing details. Those who are fully vaccinated will also not have to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone that tests positive.
The news is bound to be warmly welcomed by travelers around the world. Tourists can finally experience all that England has to offer, without worrying about booking tables or places reaching full capacity, and they will be free to socialize and rub shoulders with locals once more.
Who Can Visit The UK?
Now all the UK needs to do is add more destinations to its green list – and with the pressure they’re facing from airlines, that change could come sooner than expected. The green list features countries that do not need to quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
Travel experts are also predicting that the white list for visiting the UK without quarantine is expected to grow by 22 countries in the coming weeks.
See all the countries currently on the UK's green list.
READ MORE:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021
How To Visit Berlin On A Budget
Germany Eases Travel Restrictions For More Countries Including UK
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
aaron
Thursday 8th of July 2021
Great move from Boris ! A good reason to visit UK now.