IMPACT – HIGH

The United Kingdom will soon allow travelers staying in England to cut their period of self-isolation short if they test negative for the COVID-19 virus.

Key Points:

  • The Test to Release scheme, as it is called, will begin Dec. 15.
  • Under the scheme, travelers who are required to self-isolate upon arrival in England will be permitted to take a private COVID-19 test, at their cost, after five full days of isolation. If they test negative, they will be permitted to end their isolation; if they test positive, they must continue to isolate for the full 14 days. Those with inconclusive tests will also be required to continue isolating.
  • Those who want to participate in the scheme must (1) book a test with a private test provider and (2) opt into the scheme on the UK’s passenger locator form before arriving in the UK. Those who decide after arrival that they would like to participate must fill out a new passenger locator form. The government has not yet released a list of accepted test providers.
  • The scheme will be available to travelers who will remain in England, but not to anyone planning travel to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
  • Travelers who have only been in a country or countries on the UK’s travel corridor list in the 14 days before entering the United Kingdom do not need to self-isolate upon arrival. Those working in jobs that qualify for travel exemptions also do not need to self-isolate.
  • Additional information is available on the UK government site.

Analysis & Comments: The change could give a boost to business travel in England, as many travelers will no longer to be required to self-isolate for the full 14-day period. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in the UK and other countries.

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