Hoteliers fear worst as Covid cases rise in UK
TRAVEL will be hit again just three weeks until Guernsey's borders could reopen fully, as south-east England was moved into category three at midnight, after a nearly 50% rise in Covid cases in the last seven days.
The move comes as English case numbers have risen by a third in a week, as the more-transmissible Delta variant takes hold.
It means a return to seven-day quarantine for visitors and returning islanders, after a few weeks of being able to enter the community following a negative test on arrival.
North-west England, which includes Manchester, moved from category three to category four last night, meaning arrivals will have to self-isolate for at least 14 days.
Numbers there have risen from 130 cases per 100,000 to 195 in the last week.
The deteriorating situation has provoked worry in the local tourist industry, as restriction-free travel was expected to start on 1 July. But there have now been warnings there might be some changes to that.
Guernsey Hospitality Association president Alan Sillett and secretary Aine Sillett said their hotel, the Duke of Normandie, was seeing very strong bookings for July. But many people had booked on a flexible basis, with travellers preparing for more Covid disruption.
‘People have booked for July, because there is no testing or self-isolation,’ Mr Sillett said.
‘If they move 1 July, or restrictions are added, we will see cancellations.’
Even a test on arrival and then being released after getting a negative test result would hit tourism, he said. Most travellers only come for three or four days.
Mrs Sillett said during June they had seen some guests from category two regions, but even the lightest restrictions put most travellers off.
Two of the three inbound flights from Southampton to Guernsey on 1 July are listed as sold out, while one-way flights from Gatwick to Guernsey that day are starting from £95, as the cheaper seats have been sold.
n The next Covid-19 press conference is being held on Friday. Travel is expected to be one of the issues raised.
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