UK eases restrictions so families can gather over Christmas

LONDON -- British authorities gave the green light Tuesday to holiday reunions, relaxing restrictions on social mixing over Christmas and offering arriving international travelers a way to cut short quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19.

The U.K. government and administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland struck a deal easing limits on travel and socializing over the festive period so friends and families can get together. Over the five days between Dec. 23 and 27, up to three households can form a "Christmas bubble" and members can move freely among them. Those traveling to and from Northern Ireland will be permitted to travel for an additional day either side.

People are currently barred from visiting members of other households in much of the U.K., and there are limits on travel to high-infection areas,

Cabinet minister Michael Gove said the agreement "will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year."

Government scientific advisers have signed off on the holiday plan, though scientists have warned it will likely lead to an increase in coronavirus infections.

Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, noted the easing will be taking place when schools will be closed, which should dampen down on transmissions.

"Christmas, whether or not we celebrate the day as a religious festival, may be what we need to make it through the rest of winter," he said.

In a boost to holiday travel, the 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers arriving in England from most destinations will be reduced to as little as five days if they test negative for COVID-19.

Under the new rules, passengers from places not on the government's travel corridor list can reduce the 14-day quarantine period by paying for a test from a private firm on or after Day 5 of their arrival at a potential cost of around $133. Results normally take a day or two.

"Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said. "By giving people the choice to test on Day 5, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic."

The change, which takes effect Dec. 15, has been long-awaited by the travel industry, one of the worst-hit sectors during the pandemic. The industry hopes it will spur British families to go on holiday over the Christmas break, especially if children won't have to miss school upon their return.

The change only applies in England. Travelers arriving in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales must continue to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Christmas plan will allow people to travel anywhere in the U.K. to meet with loved ones in private homes, outdoors or in places of worship -- though not in pubs and restaurants.

The decision to relax the rule comes amid evidence new coronavirus infections have fallen since restrictions were tightened in the past few weeks, including a national lockdown in England that is due to end Dec. 2. It will be replaced with regional measures involvig three tiers of restrictions based on the scale of the local outbreak.

Though daily numbers can fluctuate widely, the U.K. recorded another 11,299 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, the lowest level since early October. The hope is fewer infections will soon lead to a reduction in hospitalizations and the number of people dying from the coronavirus.

For now, though, virus-related deaths remain high and another 608 were reported on Tuesday. However, Tuesday's figures have invariably been higher during the pandemic because of weekend reporting lag effects.

The change in England's travel rules brings them more in line with other European countries, including Germany. Still, with a maze of travel and quarantine restrictions around the world, few industry experts anticipate a rapid rush for the skies before vaccinations become widely available.

"We still have a complex jigsaw puzzle of restrictions around the world that need tourists to have a high IQ to understand," said Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency.

Many popular holiday destinations, such as the United States or Canada, remain blocked off for English travelers, and trips to most of Europe require quarantining, except for isolated spots like Spain's Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the industry association Airlines U.K., said the announcement on a shorter quarantine period provided "light at the end of the tunnel" for the aviation industry and people wanting to go on holiday.