Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries welcome news of quarantine exemptions
PORTSMOUTH’s port and the boss of Brittany Ferries have welcomed news that the government will lift quarantine restrictions for people returning to or visiting England from destinations such as Spain, France, Italy and Germany from next week.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will exempt a number of countries from its advisory against all non-essential travel from Saturday.
Around 60 countries and overseas territories are on the Government's initial list for lifting quarantine restrictions, Mr Shapps told Sky News.
However the US and Greece will be excluded from the list of countries with exemptions.
Portsmouth International Port’s director has welcomed the announcement.
Mike Sellers said: ‘Today’s government announcement to remove quarantine restrictions from next Friday for arrivals from France, Spain, and other countries, will be welcome news across the ports industry.
‘Combined with the restart of Brittany Ferries's passenger services to France and Spain from Portsmouth, this means we are ready to get back to what we're good at doing – giving customers the best possible experience to start their trips.
‘We understand there’s a real appetite to take a short break this summer, with 50 per cent wanting to getaway according to the latest research.
“This means holiday makers travelling by sea not only have the confidence that they’re using one of most appropriate modes of transport to help manage social distancing, but they also do not have to worry about a lengthy quarantine period afterwards.’
He continued: ‘As a port we are working closely with our partners to help welcome back passengers in a safe, sensible and managed way.
‘Our terminal has been reconfigured to manage a one way flow, and we’re fortunate to have spacious, modern facilities, giving protection for our customers and staff.
‘Before you travel always follow the government's foreign office advice to make sure you understand entry requirements for your destination as this is a rapidly changing picture.’
Brittany Ferries has also welcomed the announcement.
Its CEO Christophe Mathieu told The News this week that it wanted clarity over the regulations and today said: ‘We are delighted and relieved that the government has finally set out the framework to end blanket quarantine rules. The move brings clarity to the entire travel sector, and reassurance to the many thousands of Brittany Ferries passengers desperate to travel between the UK, France and Spain this summer.
‘We are prepared for tough times ahead, but today’s announcement is, at least, the silver lining on a summer season beset by dark clouds.’