Stamford and Rutland residents divided over lifting travel rules
Covid tests no longer need to be taken when entering the UK
From today (18 March) all Covid-19 travel restrictions will be lifted for those entering UK, but people are divided over the decision.
The step means that nobody entering the UK will need to take Covid tests or complete a passenger locator form before travelling.
From the end of the month hotel quarantining will no longer be in effect, making the UK one of the first major economies to remove all international travel rules.
The local standpoint
People in Stamford and Rutland are in disagreement over whether it's the right time to lift the restrictions.
Local resident Adam is disabled and has an issue with his breathing, he said that it won't affect him directly but believes the move is premature:
"I'm not allowed to fly because of my medical condition, so it doesn't really affect us other than the ferry. I still think testing should be there, I think isolation should still be there. I think the Government are pretty much relaxing too soon and too fast."
Carrie is a nurse who thinks it's the right time to lift the rules, and is looking forward to a trip to Spain:
"I've been caught up in the midst of it all, but I think it's probably a good thing really. Hopefully we'll try and get away in the summer holidays if we can afford it. I mean all the prices have gone up and everything so we'll have to see."
'Living with Covid-19'
The changes come as part of the Government's Living with Covid-19 plan, and it's a welcome move for the UK travel and aviation industry.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said at the start of the week:
“The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other.
“I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today - providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said:
“Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the world – the UK travel sector is back. With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-Covid normality throughout the travel experience