Guernsey hospitality bosses disappointed with new travel restrictions

Condor ferries + plane in sky
Tomorrow (14 May) will see new Category 2 regions introduced. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Guernsey hospitality bosses say they are facing "daily cancellations", despite the island's biggest easing of travel restrictions since the pandemic began coming into force tomorrow (14 May).

They say they are disappointed things are not opening up more, and warn this season could be written off entirely, as tourists are likely to choose other destinations instead.

Airline Aurigny agrees, arguing that even a 48-hour self-isolation period is too long for visitors.

Tomorrow (14 May) will see new Category 2 regions introduced, with travellers no longer having to quarantine on arrival.

Passengers arriving from areas where there are fewer than 30 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the last 14 days, will only have to self isolate until they get their negative test back on arrival. 

The Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) says this could take up to 48 hours, but they will then be free with a follow up test on Day 7.

Currently only travellers from the South West of England and Wales would be classified as coming from Category 2 areas.



Yesterday the CCA also announced changes to the rules which allows travellers from Category 2 areas coming through Southampton, Portsmouth or Poole to only have to isolate until the return of their negative test. 

gThere had been concerns there was not a way for travellers from Category 2 to get to the island as air services will not start up again at Exeter or Bristol until July. 

Jersey also falls within Category 2 from tomorrow, making inter-island travel easier.