Coronavirus testing at UK airports could be introduced soon
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the boss of Heathrow that the Government is aiming to start testing in two weeks, with a regional air corridor to the US potentially in place by Thanksgiving Day on November 26
The UK government is set to reveal its plans for coronavirus testing at airports within days, according to travel industry experts.
Trials for testing air passengers are expected to begin in a fortnight in a victory for "Get Britain Flying" campaign, reports the Daily Mail.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the boss of Heathrow that the Government is aiming to start testing in two weeks, with a regional air corridor to the US potentially in place by Thanksgiving Day on November 26.
Ministers are said to favour the German model of testing twice: once up to 72 hours before departure and again after a few days of quarantine.
Aviation and tourism bosses have been calling for a programme of airport testing for months in an attempt to salvage an industry decimated by the pandemic.
It is estimated travel and tourism contributes £60 billion a year to the UK economy and supports one million jobs.
There has been massive pressure on airlines and tour operators with routes and destinations curtailed by quarantine restrictions for passengers arriving in the UK.
UK government will also allow a more regionalised quarantine policy, allowing destinations with lower infection rates to be included among safe travel corridor destinations.
The introduction of coronavirus testing at airports could also reduce the amount of time people have to quarantine when they return from "high risk" destinations.
Health secretary Matt Hancock is expected to confirm the move this week, which would give tour operators a huge boost before the winter sun and ski seasons.