(Ottawa) Fully vaccinated Canadians are exempt from new facilities exempting U.S. and European travelers from isolation upon arrival in the UK and Scotland on Monday.
The English and Scottish governments announced on Wednesday that fully vaccinated travelers from the United States and Europe would not need 10 days of self-isolation for arrival. These changes will take effect on the night of August 2nd.
Neither government has given reasons to exclude Canada from these relaxations. Meanwhile, the other two countries that make up the UK – Wales and Northern Ireland – have not relaxed existing rules.
European countries benefiting from the exemptions in the UK and Scotland include EU member states other than France, members of the European Free Trade Agreement and the micro-states of Monaco and the Vatican in Andorra.
The British High Commission in Canada said in a statement that London was taking a “step-by-step approach” to easing travel restrictions associated with COVID-19. “Ensuring safe and open travel is a priority and we engage in certification with international partners to ensure that the travel of vaccinated persons is not hindered in the future,” the High Commission said.
According to UK Transport Secretary Grant Shops, these new measures will help family members visit each other but increase business. Shops said his government will continue to use the latest scientific evidence.
“But thanks to our flagship national immunization program, we have begun to rebuild key Atlantic routes with the United States while strengthening our ties with our European neighbors.”
Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matson said in a statement that the changes were made possible by the success of vaccination programs in Scotland, the European Union and the United States.
“Completely vaccinated travelers can travel to Scotland as part of facilitating these important steps for international travel, encouraging the tourism industry and ensuring economic and public health security in general,” he explained.
The UK and Scotland have made it clear that segregation rules will still apply to travelers who have been in France for the past 10 days. Scotland cited concerns about the spread of the beta variant.
When asked about this in Vancouver on Wednesday, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Christiaan Freeland said he respected the decision. (During the Covid epidemics, I greatly respect the sovereignty of each country to determine who can enter under what conditions. ”
“Prone to fits of apathy. Introvert. Award-winning internet evangelist. Extreme beer expert.”
