No date has been set for the removal of PCR testing for fully vaccinated travellers, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.
The Government last week announced its intention for people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine to be able to use a cheaper lateral flow test instead of a PCR version for their day-two test.
Asked when the policy will be implemented, Mr Shapps told the Commons Transport Select Committee that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is “aware” of the dates of October half-term, which is a popular period for families to go on holiday.
He said: “It’s clear the range of measures I introduced this week and last week are going to make a big difference and people will be able to travel much more freely.
“Part of that is the removal of the PCR test on day two and replacing it with a much simpler lateral flow test.
“They (DHSC) are aware of half-term and are working closely with the private-sector providers to ensure we can do this as quickly as possible.”
