THE controversial amber-plus list could be SCRAPPED – just weeks after France became the first country to be put on it.
The unofficial list was introduced earlier this month after the restrictions on amber destinations were lifted.
Fully vaxxed Brits can now return from amber destinations without having to quarantine for 10 days back in the UK.
However, amber-list France was not included in the lifting of restrictions due to fears of the Beta variant, which originated in South Africa, and was added to the amber-plus list instead.
Yet ministers have suggested the list could be shelved altogether next week, at the next travel review, the i reports.
It follows the predicted removal of France from the amber-plus list next week, as the Beta variant cases in the country remains low.
Critics attacked the decision to ban quarantine-free travel to the popular destination for double-jabbed Brits as “rushed”.
Insiders say a sharp rise in the Delta variant on the continent will mean it “outcompetes” Beta in a few weeks — giving hope the “amber-plus” status will quickly be ditched.
It was also feared that Spain and Greece could also be added next week, as they have much higher cases of the Beta variant.
🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest updates
Yet officials have downplayed the threat in Spain, saying the countries won't be added in the travel review, expected on August 5.
A source said: “Like we’ve seen here, Delta is so transmissible we are pretty sure it will outcompete the Beta variant.
“There is still a couple of weeks to go though and that needs to be reflected in the data.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was hopeful that more countries could be added to the green list next week, or moved from the red to the amber list.
Double-jabbed travellers from the US and EU will also be allowed to enter England without the need for quarantine from next week.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed yesterday: "From August 2 at 4am people from these countries will be able to come to the England from an amber country without having to quarantine if they're fully vaxxed."
Source: Read Full Article