Quarantine Overview
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented Quarantine regulations to protect citizens from possible infections. England is one such country, and if you are planning to visit England, you must familiarise yourself with their quarantine policies. As per their current guidelines, many travellers arriving to England are required to go in a self-isolation period of fourteen days. A possible exception to self-isolation requirements are those travelling from certain countries with approved travel corridors.
Quarantine regulations are put forward to protect the general public from the spread of infectious disease, and their efficacy depends on how people self-isolate in accordance to the policies set forth. It’s important to remember that when you travel, you are committing to complying with the 10 principles of self-isolation, such as avoiding contact with other people, wearing masks and social distancing.
The UK government advise is that if you must travel, you can go on holiday to countries in England, but you will need to follow quarantine rules: you can be required to take a coronavirus test and quarantine, as well as follow social distancing guidelines. In addition, you will be required to remain in contact with local health services and provide contact and travel details.
It is crucial to get acquainted with the latest guidance before travelling. Many countries have their own unique quarantine policies and they should be followed strictly. Travelling abroad always poses a certain level of risk, and it is important to remember that the decision to travel is ultimately up to the individual. You must make your own risk assessment to decide whether it is suitable and safe for you to travel.
Risks of Failing to Adhere to Quarantine Regulations
It is worth noting that there are severe consequences for those failing to adhere to quarantine regulations. Those who breach the rules can receive a £10,000 fine with sentences ranging from 3 months to a year in prison. In some cases, travellers have potentially been forced to pay for their own accommodation by the quarantine authorities. In addition, by traveling and breaching the quarantine regulation, you risk spreading the virus to others.
Experts advise that if you have any symptoms before travelling, you must not travel and instead get tested and stay home even if it is the last minute. It is also utmost important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest travel advice – check the government website to see the most recent information.
Many travellers are yet to digest the reality of the pandemic, and it is worth keeping in mind that the world is still very much in a state of flux – anything can happen, and policies are subject to change. Pre-pandemic travelling was much less monitored and restricted, but now travelling is subject to more scrutiny and is highly regulated. In order to stay safe, it is essential to remain informed and alert, and to be prepared for the reality that most quarantine regulations are here to stay for a while.
Vaccine Overview
A vaccine holds the potential to transform the world as we know it. If the development of a reliable vaccine is successful, it could mean an end to the restrictions and regulations associated with quarantine. Experts estimate that it might take until 2021 for a vaccine to be available, but it is important to remember that this would still depend on numerous factors such as the virus’ mutation rate.
In the meantime, it is essential to remain cautious and to follow quarantine protocols, if applicable. In England and many other nations, there is a trial “Test to Release” service available for travellers who want to leave quarantine early. Travellers can take a COVID-19 test five days after entering England to determine if they can reduce their quarantine to 5 days.
Access to the Test to Release service isn’t universal. For example, it isn’t currently available to international passengers arriving from high-risk countries. There might be special exceptions for travellers who can demonstrate a compelling reason to travel, such as business trips, but these considerations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, while there is light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a possible vaccine, businesses and individuals must stay prepared for quarantine regulations to stay in place for the foreseeable future. The safest option is to continue to adhere to national health standards and to check the latest travel advice before travelling abroad.
Travel Advice Considerations
As mentioned above, it is important to check the latest travel advice before departing. Generally, it is recommended to stay local and ensure destinations are following adequate health safety protocols. You should check government websites when researching your trip for information on the latest travel advice, coronavirus testing requirements, immigration policies, and quarantine regulations.
Vaccines are one of the best protections against COVID-19, and it is advised to get vaccinated ahead of time if permissible. Similarly, it would be wise to obtain necessary medical treatments, such as a fit-to-fly certification, and to carry any evidence of this when travelling abroad, such as the Fit to Fly certificate. Additionally, carry a contact tracing diary when travelling that documents any potential contact with British residents.
Even with a Corona vaccine on the horizon, the world of travelling remains uncertain and the advice is directed to be extra-cautious. Travel during the pandemic is different and requires a lot of planning and research. Right from the obvious steps such as double-checking the flight and hotel reservations to the less obvious ones like getting the necessary paperwork in place – travellers need to be completely and utmost aware.
COVID-Specific Travel Insurance
As mentioned above, the decision to travel is ultimately up to the individual, and if you decide to take the risk and travel, don’t go without travel insurance. Since the pandemic has changed the way we travel, there have been new COVID-specific travel insurance policies available. These policies offer coverage for additional costs such as medical expenses, trip cancellation and quarantine expenses.
It is important to read the terms and conditions of these policies and to find an insurer that offers policies tailored to the current situation. Before making a purchase, it is recommended to compare the different plans available and to check and double-check that the policy covers the risks associated with your trip.
Overall, 2020 has made the world of travelling a more complex one. It is up to the individual to come to terms with the risks of travelling during a pandemic and to make their own risk assessment of whether or not it is suitable and safe to travel. With an abundance of information available and necessary steps to take, it is a requirement for travellers to stay informed and to be prepared.
Transferrable Skills for Travelling During the Pandemic
The pandemic has been a catalyst for learning new skills as travellers must learn how to stay prepared for the unknown. To ensure a safe trip, it is essential to plan ahead and research on the necessary steps. Travelling during the pandemic requires a set of unique skills particular to our times, such as researching on government guidance regarding quarantine policies and understanding what constitutes as acceptable and safe behaviour during travel.
The travel ban has also seen an emergence of digital skills as digital self-service is the norm. This has also increased the importance of booking tickets ahead and to be aware of the policies of different travel service providers, such as airlines. As such, it is beneficial to equip oneself with digital currency and to retain digital payment methods, such as card payment.
Overall, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the regulations and to take the necessary planning steps when travelling during a pandemic. The situation has pushed us to grow and equip ourselves with new transferable skills such as digital self-service and the importance of researching on current policies.
Travelling with Children During COVID-19
Travelling with children during a pandemic is particularly difficult, as the rules and regulations are constantly changing. It is also important to consider the extra requirements for travelling with children such as proving guardianship rights and the availability of child-appropriate safety masks.
It is important to remember that children can still catch the virus, and the risk is compounded by the fact that they must remain in close contact with adults. It is also difficult to enforce social distancing rules on children and encourage them to follow the guidelines. Therefore, extra precaution should be taken when travelling with children.
When travelling with children, it is essential to discuss the importance of following the rules and the potential repercussions of not doing so. It is important to remind them that they must practice social-distancing, wear masks, and follow the social guidelines set in place. It is also recommended to take the time to explain the virus to the children using age-appropriate messaging.
It is also recommended to bring additional supplies when travelling with children. Due to the volatile nature of the virus, it is important to bring extra clothes and coverage in case the family is quarantined or stuck in a foreign country. Ensure to also pack food for children who have nut allergies or special dietary requirements.
Overall, travelling with children during a pandemic requires extra consideration and precautions. Take the time to explain the virus to the children and to ensure they are aware of the necessary steps to take to remain safe. It is also recommended to bring extra supplies to cater to the children in case of emergency.
