The tsunami in Tonga also makes the headlines, as does the Texas terrorist attack and the tragic death of a young girl during a ski lesson.
Here are the headlines affecting travel on Monday, 17 January.
Covid isolation cut and boosters for 16- and 17-year-olds
The minimum self-isolation period for those with Covid-19 in England has been cut to five days to help ease staff shortages across the economy. People will need to produce negative lateral flow tests on days five and six of their isolation. Meanwhile, 16- and 17-year-olds are now able to book a booster jab or attend a walk-in vaccination centre in England. (BBC News)
Travel testing rules could be scrapped by half-term
The Times, citing a source close to transport secretary Grant Shapps, reports the government is ready to axe the Day 2 antigen test requirement for fully vaccinated returning Brits. The decision could be made as soon as next week, the paper reports. (The Times)
Briton missing following Tonga tsunami
A British woman is reported missing and up to 80,000 could be affected by the tsunami that engulfed a large part of Tonga. New Zealand has sent a flight to assess damage after a huge volcanic eruption triggered the giant wave. The eruption covered the Pacific islands in ash, cut power and severed communications. No deaths have been reported so far. (BBC News)
Cathay Pacific in quarantine probe
Cathay Pacific has been accused of breaching Covid quarantine rules. Two crew were accused of breaching their home quarantine in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, described the airline as “a very big noncompliance case” and accused it of sending some crew back on empty cargo flights to access shorter quarantine periods. (The Guardian)
Girl killed during ski lesson in French Alps
A five-year-old British girl has died after being struck by a skier in the French Alps, according to reports. The girl was taking part in a ski lesson in Flaine on Saturday morning when she was "violently struck by a skier going at high speed who tried in vain to avoid her", the local prosecutor said. (Sky News)
Two arrests in UK over Texas terror attack
Two teenagers have been arrested in Manchester following a terrorist attack at a Texas synagogue. A British man, Malik Faisal Akram, was shot dead after taking four people hostage. The 44-year-old was not living in the US and had travelled there from the UK on 2 January. (Sky News)
Record number of new businesses registered
The UK has registered a record high of new businesses following the Covid-induced “great resignation.” Data from accountancy firm Hazlewoods shows that in the last 12 months, 319,000 news businesses were created, most of them e-retailers or delivery firms. The number of retailers in Britain has jumped 15% while delivery businesses soared 43%. (City AM)
