Wales has called on the UK Government to
reverse changes to the traffic-light system which will see PCR tests replaced by lateral low tests from later in October. Despite the call, the Welsh
government will follow the other devolved nations in implementing changes to
the scheme from 4 October, including the ability for vaccinated travellers to skip pre-departure tests and the merging of green and amber lists.
Welsh health minister Eluned
Morgan said: ¡°We
have regularly called for a careful approach to international travel to prevent
coronavirus being re-imported into the UK, especially new and emerging variants
which may not respond to the vaccines.
¡°The
decision to move away from PCR tests from returning travellers on day two is
concerning. This test, combined with genetic sequencing of all positive tests,
is a vital part of our surveillance for coronavirus and protects our borders
from the virus."
However,
she added, ¡°We recognise the communication and enforcement challenges in having
different testing requirements, and continue to thoroughly examine the evidence
for a Wales-only testing regime, but the strongest solution to protect public
health is for the UK Government to reinstate UK-wide testing. The Welsh
Government is also considering which countries to expand the vaccine
certification recognition system to over the coming weeks.¡±
Commenting on the decision to align Wales with the rest of the
UK, ABTA¡¯s director of public affairs, Luke Petherbridge, said: ¡°We welcome
confirmation that the Welsh Government will align with the rest of the UK by
removing pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated travellers from 4 October.
This will make the process much easier for returning travellers and go some way
to reducing costs.?
¡°However, the decision not to confirm alignment on day 2
testing rules ¨C enabling the use of much cheaper lateral flow tests - is
disappointing, and we urge ministers to reconsider. It is important to remember
that anyone who provides a positive lateral flow test after travelling would
still be required to seek a confirmatory PCR test, so genomic sequencing
ability will be retained. Keeping in place more expensive testing arrangements
in Wales will leave the Welsh travel and tourism industry facing a competitive disadvantage
and it will damage the recovery of the sector.¡±