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Heathrow calls for an end to COVID travel tests
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/heathrow-calls-for-an-end-to-pre-departure-tests-after-millions-of-flights-cancelled-20220112-p59njt.htmlRestrictions introduced around the world in response to the highly contagious Omicron variant saw tens of thousands of flights cancelled over Christmas as soaring case numbers restricted passenger travel and resulted in flight crews isolating.
Britain last week dropped the requirement for vaccinated passengers to present a negative test before arriving in the country. Even so, travellers must still pay for and take a rapid flow (antigen) test or a more expensive PCR test within two days of arriving.
The UK recorded 120,000 new cases on Tuesday, but there are indications the country’s Omicron wave has peaked. Growth in new cases declined by 13 per cent on Tuesday compared to the seven days prior – the first fall since the variant arrived in December.
British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said he can see a future where only vaccination status – rather than testing status – is required for international travel.
