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heavily dependent on improved scientific understanding about the role vaccination plays in reducing transmission. A system also needs to be fair and not disadvantage people who have yet to be offered or gain access to a vaccine. “The government does


not expect this solution to be available quickly and restrictions are likely to continue for the near future.” The document also notes:


“Managing the risk of new cases entering the UK has become even more important with the rise of new variants [and] the government will act swiftly if evidence emerges that suggests more countries should be added to the ‘red list’.” However, it adds: “There


will come a point where these restrictions need to be superseded by a more facilitative model. The Global Travel Taskforce’s report will be critical to this.” The Department for


Transport will lead the new taskforce, work with “UK representatives of the travel sector, including airlines and airports” and make use of “measures already in place such as testing and isolation [quarantine], and recommendations from the first Global Travel Taskforce”. The taskforce will report


to the prime minister, whose decision on when travel can restart will depend on “the global and domestic epidemiological picture, the prevalence and location of ‘variants of concern’, the progress of vaccine rollouts here and abroad, and what more the government has learnt about the efficacy of vaccines”.


Greece confirms talks with UK on vaccination proof


Greece remains at the forefront of efforts to secure international agreement on vaccination ‘passports’ for travellers, with tourism minister Harry Theoharis in the UK last week for talks. Theoharis confirmed discussions


were under way with the UK on travel between the countries. However, he described the talks as “very preliminary”, saying: “I’m hopeful


we can reach some kind of solution at least on the technical side.” He insisted entry to Greece


would not be limited to those who have been vaccinated, explaining: “We currently mandate a negative test result before travel. Obviously, this is a waste of resources for people who are vaccinated.” Greece has signed an agreement


in principle with Israel on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates. However, Greece has yet to set a date for when these will be accepted and a Greek proposal for a common EU vaccination certificate to “simplify travel” was rejected by a majority of EU heads of state in January.


Harry Theoharis Meanwhile, restrictions on


flights to Greece were extended this week to March 8, with seven-day quarantine measures and pre- departure PCR tests in place for all arrivals and special restrictions on flights from the UK.


Weiss favours health app over vaccination passport


Ian Taylor


Airline leaders have downplayed talk of vaccination passports, with Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss insisting a relaxation of border restrictions “should not be discriminatory”. Speaking as UK airline chiefs united


last week to urge the UK government to include aviation in its roadmap for reopening the economy, Weiss said: “Those who have not had a vaccine should not face a barrier to travel.” Asked whether he supported


demands for vaccination passports, Weiss said: “I don’t think we should call it a vaccination passport but a digital health app because it should also check whether you booked a test. “Digital health apps are being


developed by multiple parties to minimise border delays. Iata is behind one of them. It’s not really a vaccine passport.”


34 25 FEBRUARY 2021 He insisted: “If you don’t have


a vaccine it should not be a barrier so long as you accept there will be other restrictions. It should not be discriminatory.” Weiss argued: “We must integrate


digital health certification [because] check-in now is taking three to four times what it does normally.” Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy


said: “If vaccination passports are what it takes to get travel going, then that is what we have to do. [But] it worries me slightly given the record of IT systems.” Asked whether airlines would


require crew to be vaccinated, Weiss said: “An individual’s right to govern their own body is essential. “We will do everything to


promote vaccination, but to say if you don’t have a jab you don’t have a job would be wrong.” Emirates reported it operated a flight between Dubai and Los


Shai Weiss


Angeles on Monday with all frontline staff “at every touchpoint” of the journey “fully vaccinated”. The carrier said check-in, security,


business and first-class lounge and boarding gate employees, as well as engineers, pilots and cabin crew were all vaccinated, as well as staff supporting the flight’s operations. The Emirates Group reported


almost 26,000, or 44%, of its frontline workforce, have received vaccines.


travelweekly.co.uk


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