Business travellers and sports stars among exemptions from quarantine in new travel rules

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced this evening on Twitter that certain professionals will now be exempt from self-isolating when returning to England from countries not on the travel corridor list. Mr Shapps said “high-value” business travellers returning to England from 4am on Saturday will no longer need to self-isolate even if they have visited a destination not on the travel corridors list. Mr Shapps said on Twitter: “New Business Traveller exemption: From 4am on Sat 5th Dec high-value business travellers will no longer need to self-isolate when returning to ENGLAND from a country NOT in a travel corridor, allowing more travel to support the economy and jobs. Conditions apply.”(sic)

The news is likely to frustrate keen travellers who have been unable to travel from England within the UK or abroad during the country’s second lockdown.

Last week, 10 new travel corridors were announced but were criticised by travellers for not being accessible.

CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, Paul Charles said the latest news from Mr Shapps was a “welcome first step”.

He continued: “This is a welcome first step in dismantling the quarantine system and showing that #Britain is open for business again.

“There are strict criteria, including working for a business of 50+ people, but it’s the further quashing of #quarantine.”

More to follow…