Anger as England extends restrictions on France travel

Frustrated holidaymakers and travel industry leaders rounded on the U.K. government on July after a last-minute change maintained quarantine for residents returning to England from France.

From Monday, the government plans to lift most pandemic curbs on everyday life in England, and fully vaccinated residents will no longer have to quarantine after travel to "amber list" destinations in Europe.

But late Friday, ministers said the "persistent presence" of the Beta coronavirus variant in France meant the 10-day quarantine requirement would stay in place for one of Britain's favorite destinations.

And just as "freedom day" beckons on Monday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was self-isolating.

Javid said he had only mild symptoms. But any of his "close contacts" - potentially including others in the government -- could have to self-isolate too.

Maud Lemoine, a hepatology consultant based in London who is visiting France, said the government was sending "a very confused message" by lifting curbs while also extending the France quarantine.

"I'm a doctor so I understand the health issues very well, but this doesn't make any sense," she told AFP.
British government scientists are concerned that the Beta variant, first identified in South Africa, may be more resistant to Covid vaccines, especially the UK-developed AstraZeneca jab.

Beta has a negligible presence in Britain but accounts for around 11 percent of positive test samples in France, according to the latest data. In both countries, the Delta variant is far more prevalent.
Easyjet chief Johan Lundgren said the decision "pulls the rug" from under people who were already in France or had booked summer holidays there.<...