The French authorities relaxed some of their border restrictions, imposed after the new, more contagious strain of coronavirus was discovered in England, to allow certain people, including EU nationals, residents and some essential workers, to enter, provided they have had a negative test.
Condor delayed its St Malo-bound sailing to allow time for the tests to be carried out at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Fewer than 40 passengers were booked to travel. All who required a test for their journey had negative results by 1pm. They then returned to St Peter Port harbour and their sailing left at 1.30pm.
States chief executive Paul Whitfield said: ‘We had very short notice overnight on the changes to the travel requirements for those entering France. Decisions on who can enter France are, of course, a matter for the French government. Our teams and Condor Ferries have reacted very quickly to do everything they can to make sure eligible travellers are able to meet these new requirements and make the journey. We know how important it is for people to get where they need to be for Christmas.’
Condor CEO Paul Luxon said: ‘We’re really pleased to have been able to resolve this so quickly for those customers who are eligible to travel to France. We know some are finding that even with a negative Covid-19 test, they do not meet the criteria set by the French authorities for entry and therefore regretfully cannot travel. We are very sorry for those travellers who are adversely affected by the imposed restrictions but we have liaised with passengers, put them in touch with Public Health and are carrying all those who are confirmed as able to travel.’
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