Rapid testing must form part of restart of international travel

Commenting on new research from Oxera and Edge Health that shows that rapid testing can be just as effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19 as 10-day quarantine, Henry Smith MP, Chair of the APPG for the Future of Aviation said: 

 “It is vital that the Government ensure that advancements in testing are factored into the safe restart of international travel and this research makes clear that rapid testing must be a valuable part from May 17th for those areas where restrictions are still required. 

 “The Government must also look urgently at the cost of testing, it would be another blow to our beleaguered aviation, travel and tourism industries if the restart is held back by the price of testing acting as a disincentive for hard working families and their much-needed summer holidays. 

 “The upcoming announcement on international travel is a pivotal moment for our recovery from the pandemic, the Government have an opportunity to kick-start this recovery through a risk based restart to international travel, an opportunity that they must take.”