Travel tests have ‘virtually no impact’ on spread of new variants, research finds

Travel tests have almost no effect in preventing Covid variants being imported into the UK unless new restrictions are introduced from within a day of the strain being present, a new analysis has found.

The research found that any travel rules would only delay a new variant’s peak by between two to eight days.

However, the analysis found this would only happen if they were introduced immediately after a new variant was imported, reported the Telegraph.

Every additional day of delay after that reduced the impact, and by day six, it only held back the peak by a day, according to the modelling by Edge Health and Oxera, a research consultancy.

The UK only detected and implemented measures to tackle Omicron after it had already arrived in the country, suggesting that tests were introduced long after they were effective.

The research, funded by Airlines UK and Manchester Airports Group, has been sent to the Government in a bid to support the ending of day two lateral flow tests for travellers.

Charlie Cornish, the MAG chief executive, said: "The findings show conclusively that testing for international travel will not deliver significant benefits in managing the spread of new variants.

"As we learn to live with Covid-19, it is important that people are allowed to travel free of the additional cost and uncertainty which testing creates. This study provides ministers with the clear evidence that this is achievable.

"The UK Government has taken the step to remove domestic restrictions, and it should now apply this approach to international travel.

The travel industry has been particularly hard hit throughout the pandemic, with Mr Cornish calling it “the country’s worst hit sector”.

Ministers have already changed requirements for a pre-departure test and substituted lateral flow tests for day two PCR tests - which had hit holidaymakers with a hefty fee for travel.

According to reports, transport minister Grant Shapps is set to scrap tests for double-jabbed travellers in time for the half-term break in February. The change could be announced on January 26.