The British government is introducing a "favourable" measure for France. The country is the only one in the European Union for which quarantine remains compulsory. For the vaccinated citizens from other EU countries, the British government has abolished quarantine. This measure also applies to nationals of Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland and the United States.
La new rule from 2 august for most EU countries is as follows. Only obligations to undergo a test (PCR or antigen) before departure and to undergo a second test until the 2nd day after arrival. However, a test is no longer compulsory on the 8th day.
In the event of a positive test for covidtravellers must enter the compulsory quarantine in designated hotels for 10 days. Test results and vaccinations are accepted by the authorities in French. All travellers must also complete a tracing form, which can be used to locate them in the event of a cluster.
Please note. The rules laid down by the government only apply to travel to England. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are regulated differently.
Is the Beta variant the only reason behind the UK's decision?
It seems that the French exemption is applied because of the circulation of the Beta variant (formerly South African). Which is essentially confined to Reunion Island. According to Santé Publique France, 2.8% variants circulating in France are attributed to the Beta strain compared with 55.5% for Delta. And still 37% for the Alpha variant - formerly known as the 'English' variant.
But there is also reason to believe that the Johnson government is continuing to wield both the carrot and the stick. All this, against a backdrop of renewed tensions since the Brexit between France and the United Kingdom. If we look at the presence of variant Beta elsewhere, it is circulating at roughly the same level in Germany and Spain. And they are not being pilloried by the British government!
