Millions of Britons’ summer travel plans may be in jeopardy because experts worry that other countries may reinstitute strict Covid curbs to combat rising infections.
If the number of self-isolating workers soars, tests, facemasks, and vaccine passes may return to popular vacation hotspots, and airports may experience additional chaos.
The future of the summer vacation plans for millions of Britons may now be in jeopardy, say MPs and experts in public forums.
Layla Moran, a member of the Liberal Democrats and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, issued a warning that domestic vacations and even trips abroad could be derailed.
According to her comments to the Mirror, “It’s possible that rising Covid rates in the UK will ruin vacation plans.”
“Other countries could reintroduce restrictions on arrivals from Britain, and transport companies—already in crisis due to the Government’s poor handling of Brexit and industrial action—are likely to see an increase in staff shortages with more sick days,” the report stated.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 32% more people than the week prior had coronavirus in the week ending June 24.
Experts think the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron are likely responsible for the most recent spike in cases, which could bring the overall number of patients above April’s peak of 16,600.
Though thought to be just as mild as the original Omicron strain, those variations are thought to be more contagious.
Although it has stated it is monitoring the issue “extremely swiftly,” the government has not yet announced any plans to reimpose restrictions.
The resident physician for ITV Good Morning, Hilary Jones, continued, “There are several examples in Italy.
They can inform you that you require a Covid pass and documentation of a recent infection or vaccine.
“I would advise those who are traveling to look at the country’s overseas travel guidance, see if you need a test before you go, and see if your NHS Covid pass works,” the speaker said.
According to NHS England statistics, there were about 10,658 hospitalized patients with the infection on Monday.
Infections in England have risen in the past two weeks, and every day, almost 1,000 new patients are being hospitalised with the virus.
There are worries that the most recent Covid variation could once again wipe out NHS staff numbers, impacting ambulance wait times, the availability of specialists, and the ability to perform procedures.
An lengthy period of “Airmageddon” has been predicted by aviation experts, and the revelation comes just days before the UK’s summer vacation season is anticipated to pick up. Millions of customers are preparing for disruption as travel executives order carriers to cancel additional flights.
Lack of skilled security personnel, baggage handling problems, and staff shortages are all factors in the inconvenience this year at many of the UK’s major commercial airports.
And there will likely be much more chaos later this month when hundreds of British Airways check-in employees go on strike over salary.
It comes as hospitals prepare to implement social distancing policies and put back the wearing of facial covers in an effort to slow a recent uptick in Covid cases.
Because of an increase in infections, trusts in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Devon, and Wales have all restored advice urging people to cover up.
The AstraZeneca vaccine was developed with the support of Dame Sarah Gilbert, who added: “What we’re seeing with the increase in infection rates is not wholly unsurprising.”
We are aware that pandemics do continue; their course is somewhat erratic before it ends.
In April, Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not rule out a lockdown, saying it would be “irresponsible” to throw away measures “that potentially save lives” if a deadlier variation surfaced.
It comes just a few days after health officials said publicly for the first time that they would support an Omicron-specific booster shot this fall that would ‘enhance and extend’ protection.
The NHS is getting ready to launch its booster campaign on September 1 and has expressed a “clear interest” in Moderna’s new vaccine, according to GPs in Britain.
The chief medical officer of Moderna has advised that booster shots be administered to everyone, including youngsters, despite the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization’s (JCVI) recommendation that only those over the age of 65 receive them.
The company claims to have already manufactured millions of doses of a new vaccine that is said to be five times more effective than the original shot and was created specifically to combat the Omicron illness variety.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) still needs to approve this new vaccine before it can be distributed, and if they don’t, officials are prepared to employ already-approved vaccines.
The JCVI advises booster vaccinations be given to those under 65, those in care facilities, medical professionals, and those with certain medical conditions.
According to the Telegraph, Moderna’s chief medical officer, Dr. Paul Burton, said there is “definite interest” from the UK in purchasing its new vaccine.
Dr. Burton urged governments to administer the new booster vaccine to everyone under the age of 65, including children, last week.
He stated: “Obviously, governments will have to make their own public health decisions, but in my opinion, a broader opportunity to vaccinate everyone, including youngsters, is probably warranted for consideration for this forthcoming booster season.”
The new vaccination, he continued, might be so efficient that it would only be required once a year.