Recently Boris Johnson commented that it is “too early” to conclude if trips abroad will be allowed this summer. However, the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, comments that holidays abroad this summer seem to be “highly unlikely” due to the risks posed by new variants of COVID.
In a Tuesday statement to the Scottish Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon sunk people’s hopes to be able to travel overseas anytime soon. While delivering coronavirus updates, Ms Sturgeon confirmed the planned return of pupils to schools from Monday and she also advised people from postponing to book their summer holidays abroad during the Easter holidays.
“We are likely to advise against booking Easter holidays, either overseas or within Scotland, as it is highly unlikely that we will have been able to fully open hotels or self-catering accommodation by then,” commented Nicola Sturgeon.
“For the summer, while it is still highly unlikely that overseas holidays will be possible or advisable, staycations might be – but this will depend on the data nearer the time."
“However, given the risks posed by new variations of this virus, it is hard to overstate the necessity of being careful, cautious and gradual as we exit this lockdown if we want to avoid another one later in the year."
“And that means, for now, all of us continuing to abide by the stay at home requirement.”
The comment of Ms Sturgeon that summer holidays are “highly unlikely” goes further than UK’s government ministers, when lastly Prime Minister Boris Johnson commented it is “too early” to know if trips abroad will be allowed this upcoming summer.
Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock commented that the UK’s government is “doing everything we can” to allow people to enjoy a holiday this upcoming summer. He confirmed he has booked his summer trip to Cornwall this summer.
After Transport Secretary Grant Shapps advised people against booking their summer holidays yet, while Mr Hancock already predicted “great British summer”, which led to mass confusion. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Johnson commented, “it is too early for people to be certain about what we will be able to do this summer”.
Therefore, UK government ministers were accused by Labour for providing “mixed messages” when it comes to planning summer holidays and “creating chaos for families and businesses”.
Furthermore, many travel companies already issue concerns and warnings about the industry’s future in case foreign holidays continue to be banned until every person in the UK has received a COVID vaccine.
Last Monday new UK border measures were introduced for everyone entering the country. The new measures include the requirement of two COVID tests for everyone arriving in the country. This rounds up the cost per person to £210. COVID tests are required on day two and day eight of the mandatory ten-day quarantine.
Meanwhile, UK nationals and foreigners arriving in the country from one of the 33 countries added to the “red list” have to quarantine in hotels for at least ten days at a cost of at least £1,750. In Scotland, everyone arriving in the country is required to quarantine in hotels, no matter if arriving from a country from the “red list” or from other countries.