This Seems Harsh

[emmie]

for those who want to get away on holiday sooner than later.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56493002

[roslyn251254]

TTT - yes i understand that and i totally agree that unless you've been vaccinated you shouldn't be allowed to travel abroad...just seems harsh now to have the cost of 2 tests added on to holiday costs whether you've been vaccinated or not?

[emmie]

well if it does get voted in thursday then foreign holidays will take a back seat.

[gulliver1]

I can see someone making a lot of money here , Smuggling Brits out of the UK in the back of lorries, rubber boats making the perilous crossing from Dover to Calais. More trying to get out than get in. PMSL.

[emmie]

you can get something to stop you wetting yourself you know, its an age thing.

[THECORBYLOON]

From the UK Government website,

"Does the COVID-19 vaccine prevent the spread of the virus?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk."

[Prudie]

Emmie you keep saying if this gets voted in then foreign holidays are off the table but as I said pages ago, you can't go now and haven't been able to since before Christmas, this is just the fine for doing so, it's not a new rule.

[emmie]

thanks for that clarification

[emmie]

From next week the ban on leaving the UK will become a specific law, backed up by the threat of the fine.

[gulliver1]

11.11, Would that make me eligible to claim benefits then Emmie.

[emmie]

i have been quoting parts from the link.. if that's any help

[emmie]

not if you are based elsewhere gulliver, doubt if one would be eligible at any point

[ToraToraTora]

thought you lived abroad gully?

[emmie]

he does TTT

[Bobbisox1]

“BOOM” Tora :0)

[Prudie]

This is NOW from gov.UK
"Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home (or in Wales, stay local). It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays."

It is illegal now.

[emmie]

then why do they need to pass a law, if it goes to Parliament on thursday, - perhaps if some read the link it would go some way to explain what i have been getting at.

I still think its harsh for all concerned, travellers, travel industry and all those businesses that support them

[emmie]

from BBC link just now:

Anyone in England who travels abroad without good reason will soon face a £5,000 fine.

The penalty is due to come into force next week as part of new coronavirus laws.

It comes amidst growing uncertainty over whether people will be able to take foreign holidays this summer.

[emmie]

i think some friends who haven't had the vaccination yet because they are in their 40's have booked a holiday in France later this year... they will be rather disappointed to know the current legislation/thinking

[Prudie]

I believe it's the fine that will be the new bit

[New Judge]

//I still think its harsh for all concerned, travellers, travel industry and all those businesses that support them//

The entire Covid strategy has been harsh to those people and business sectors - and many more besides - emmie. The problem is the goalposts keep moving. Once the majority of the UK population has been vaccinated another target will have to be achieved before these Draconian measures are lifted. It will probably depend on infection rates and deaths in Tajikistan or somewhere reducing to minimal levels.

The fact is this virus is now endemic and will not simply disappear. We can either learn to live with it (and living is not simply remaining alive) or we can carry on as we are with all the dire consequences that has (many of which are already evident). It's fast approaching make-your-mind-up time. Introducing yet another law punishable by as many thousands of pounds fine as the person drafting it drags out of the hat will not shift that deadline.