Relief for ex-pats from Harrogate and the Dales as quarantine rules for US and EU change today
People living abroad who are double vaccinated can now travel to see relatives here without having to quarantine
Ex-pats from Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales are able to travel back from today (Monday 2 August) as quarantine rules have changed.
As of 4am today, fully vaccinated people living in the US and Europe will be able to come to England from an amber list country without having to quarantine.
It has come as a relief to families who have been separated for long periods of time due to the pandemic.
Annette Falls is currently living in Portugal but has children living in Skipton.
She said: "It has been so difficult not being able to see my friends and family but in May this year when Portugal was briefly put on the Green list I booked a flight.
"It was hard knowing what tests I needed to book, when I needed to book them and how much it was going to cost.
"Even though I kept on top of everything, my flight was changed from a Monday to a Tuesday and at midnight Portugal changed its rules so when I arrived back I had to quarantine for 14 days.
"The worst thing was the not knowing and the uncertainty. I have been lucky and just absolutely determined to come back and see my loved ones but I know people living out here who haven't seen their friends and family since before the pandemic started.
"For me this will be fabulous but it is still very expensive. For myself coming on my own it is expensive enough but I feel sorry for the families who have to pay that three, four times over just so they can travel and see loved ones."
Last week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: “We’re helping reunite people living in the US and European countries with their family and friends in the UK.
“From 2nd August at 4am people from these countries will be able to come to the England from an amber country without having to quarantine if they’re fully vaxxed."
The change will take effect from 4am on the 2nd August.