Balearics look set to slide to amber in traffic light review
Soaring infections behind the move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Balearics could be downgraded to amber in the upcoming traffic light review, just two weeks after being given quarantine-free travel.
The popular Spanish island group, which includes Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, has seen a surge in infections in recent weeks. The islands were added to the green watchlist at the end of June, and thousands of British holidaymakers flew out on summer trips.
The archipelago has recorded a case rate of 194.27 per 100,000 citizens over the past week.
A government source told The Sun: “It’s all still up for discussion, but the figures aren’t great which is why it was on the watch list in the first place.”
The Department for Transport said there was “nothing to say at the moment” on changes to the Balearic Islands' travel status.
A downgrade to the amber list would mean those arriving in the UK from there would need to self-isolate for 10 days and take two PCR tests.
However, from 19 July, all Britons who have been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior and those under 18 won’t be required to quarantine when arriving from amber-rated territories, with the rules becoming the same as arrivals from the green list.
The Balearics’ downgrade would hit younger travellers who haven’t yet been fully vaccinated.
One travel expert believes the Balearics could be pushed straight to red due to skyrocketing cases.
Paul Charles, founder of the PC Agency, said ministers were concerned about rising cases and a high positivity rate.
The update is expected at some point on Thursday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments