The British government announced Friday that Kuwait; among others, is removed from mandatory COVID-19 tests for vaccinated travelers returning to England, starting October 4. Grant Shapps, the UK transport minister, said in a series of tweets that as of the aforementioned date, the current red-amber-green country lists that govern arrivals into England would cease to exist. In their place will be a “simpler” red list of no-go destinations.

The new system will help in “striking the right balance to manage the public health risk as No.1 priority,” Shapps said. Hence, according to Shapps, the UK will no longer require pre-departure tests before arrival into England for fully vaccinated travelers coming from non-red list countries starting from October 4. “From later in October, (fully vaccinated travelers) will be able to replace the day two PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow,” he added, referring to the test required two days after arriving in England. Officials review these measures weekly or in response to significant changes in disease activity abroad, as they could re-impose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

SOURCE:  TIMES KUWAIT