New variants of coronavirus and travel – Frequently Asked Questions
On 26 May the First Minister issued a statement on the new variants of coronavirus. In preparing for the spring half-term break and the summer tourism season, the Welsh Government is urging anyone planning a break in Wales from an area with higher rates of coronavirus in the UK to test themselves twice weekly, using the free Covid-19 lateral flow tests, before they travel. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel. It is also advising travellers to bring lateral flow testing kits with them to continue regular testing while on holiday – this is an additional measure to help keep Wales safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Can visitors from an area within the UK that has a high prevalence of coronavirus travel to Wales and stay in visitor accommodation?
We are not proposing introducing any travel restrictions with the rest of the UK at this time.
The UK Government guidance for people living in these areas advises them to minimise travel out of the area Welsh Government advice is that people from these areas should reconsider travelling into Wales at this time.
- Where are the high prevalence areas in the UK?
The UK Government updates its advice regularly and there is detail on current areas where the COVID-19 variants are spreading and guidance, including travel, for residents in those areas.
- Can I accept bookings from visitors from areas with high prevalence of coronavirus?
We are encouraging tourism businesses in Wales to be sympathetic if people from areas affected by high rates of coronavirus want to rearrange bookings. For people who do travel from those areas, accommodation providers may wish to encourage visitors to undertake regular lateral flow tests twice a week, which are free, before travelling and to bring testing kits with them to carry on testing while in Wales.
You can also provide them with information about collection points in the locality they can access tests kits from after arriving in Wales or order online - Get rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests if you do not have symptoms.
The decision on accepting bookings is at the business’ own discretion. The Welsh Government is not introducing legal restrictions on travel within the UK at this point and the UK Government is asking people living in areas of high prevalence to minimise travel out of the area as outlined in UK Government guidance. As an accommodation provider, you should regularly monitor this advice and if legal restrictions are introduced, accommodation providers should not knowingly accommodate people who are acting in breach of the law.
- Can I ask for proof of a negative Covid test before the visitors arrive?
There is no legal requirement for visitors to provide proof of a negative Covid test. We would encourage all businesses to ask their prospective guests from areas with higher rates of coronavirus, to test themselves twice weekly, using the free Covid-19 lateral flow tests, before they travel. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel.
Lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. If a visitor is showing coronavirus symptoms, they must follow guidance and return home and order a PCR test immediately.
- Can I refuse a booking if my prospective guests refuse to take a test before travelling?
We encourage all accommodation providers to consider their approach towards guests who may come from areas of high incidence.
Accommodation providers may wish to communicate to all visitors with existing bookings, reminding them of the advice in respect of minimising travel and giving them a chance to cancel or postpone their bookings.
Accommodation providers are recommended to consider what their approach will be. It is also recommended that the approach allows individuals a right to discuss their particular circumstances before a final decision is taken to refuse admission.
- How do visitors access lateral flow tests in Wales?
In Wales, lateral flow tests are available to people who are visiting Wales from elsewhere. Visitors can collect lateral flow tests at collection points across Wales or order online - Get rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests if you do not have symptoms.
- What advice do I give to a guest who shows coronavirus symptoms while at my accommodation?
Guests showing symptoms must return home immediately, along with other members of their party, follow self-isolation guidance and get a PCR test.
Lateral flow tests are only available for those who are not showing symptoms. The steps to follow are included in this guide on What you need to do if you fall ill with COVID-19 whilst visiting.
- What advice do I give to a guest who tests positive with a lateral flow test while at my accommodation?
A guest that tests positive with a lateral flow test must return home immediately, along with members of their party, follow self-isolation guidance and request a PCR test within 24 hours. They must return home the most direct way and not take public transport.
- What if people refuse to take a lateral flow test?
It is at a business’ own discretion whether they allow a guest to stay. If guests are experiencing coronavirus symptoms it is essential they return home and get a PCR tests as soon as possible. The steps to follow are included in this guide on What you need to do if you fall ill with COVID-19 whilst visiting.
Alert Level 2 - Frequently Asked Questions
A list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to Coronavirus can be found on Gov.Wales. These continue to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
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Stay up to date with tourism industry news
We are committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these unprecedented difficult times and have issued several Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins which can be found on the Tourism Industry Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletins page.
Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.
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