When the novel coronavirus broke out in 2020, the UK government implemented necessary mandates to curb health risks and minimise the likelihood of spreading the disease. Many changes were observed, from physical distancing protocols to mask requirements, quarantine measures, and COVID-19 testing.

The virus is typically transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled from the nose and mouth when one sneezes, coughs, speaks, etc. As such, people were required to wear face masks to avoid introducing these particles to the air and prevent other individuals from catching them. They were also restricted from gathering in large numbers and being in close proximity with each other to avoid contamination from these respiratory droplets. 

Going outside without a mask or getting together in a large group is now considered a luxury. Until the pandemic is resolved, people will have to keep working around it, adjusting as necessary.

Amid the global health crisis, it also became imperative to identify individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 immediately. Knowing who carries the virus enables early administration of treatment and prevention of transmission. Consequently, the government maximised efforts to allow wide-scale coronavirus testing of citizens through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, rapid antigen test, or antibody test.

Getting a negative result from a coronavirus test was particularly important for individuals travelling internationally. Nonetheless, if a person tests positive for the disease, they must observe a quarantine period as they recover. It is paramount that infected individuals complete their recovery phase to ensure they are not at high risk of spreading the disease to someone else. In the UK, a traveller coming in from another country must self-isolate for ten (10) days upon their return.

As the world continues to face the pandemic in 2021, things have become more hopeful because of the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. They are designed to give antibodies a boost so that they can fight against the disease better. Many of these vaccines typically require two doses to be considered complete.

With the increasing number of individuals getting their full vaccination, the UK government has begun easing certain pandemic restrictions. For example, they will no longer impose self-quarantine mandates to fully vaccinated travellers entering the UK. This change in quarantine rules will be applicable to UK residents who have completed their COVID-19 jabs before travelling, returning to England from the US and different European countries, mainly travellers from the amber classification. It is important no note, though, that UK expatriates and non-residents who have received their full vaccination abroad will still have to self-quarantine.

This new measure can aid in the facilitation of holidays to well-known destinations abroad. It can also help the government ensure safe, sustainable, and smooth returns to international travel.

Still, individuals remain obliged to fulfil a fit to fly COVID test when going to other countries. The Department of Transport stated that fully vaccinated travellers coming from amber and green list arrivals must obtain a coronavirus test 72 hours before departure and another COVID test on the second day following their return. However, they are no longer subjected to take a COVID-19 test on the eighth day.

Since some governments have specific requirements regarding the type of coronavirus test they accept, travellers must confirm with their airline if their destination country only requires a PCR test or if they allow rapid antigen test for travel.

The pandemic has disrupted daily activities and put a strain on the economy. Nevertheless, with more stringent vaccination efforts, people may soon experience a gradual return to normal operations and, eventually, economic recovery.

Here is an infographic provided by Harley Medic International that expounds on the UK’s lifting of the quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers.