“Air bridges” between Britain and low-risk countries are likely to be introduced by the end of this month amid mounting opposition to quarantine measures.
Blanket restrictions forcing arrivals in the country to isolate for a fortnight will be introduced on Monday.
However, in a boost for hopes of summer holidays abroad, the government is planning to ease these measures three weeks later following warnings that the hardline approach would devastate the economic recovery.
A five-point assessment will be used by ministers to judge which countries will be prioritised for possible quarantine-free air bridge agreements. The criteria emphasises the economic importance of the country to the UK, the number of passengers and amount of trade, the Covid-19 “risk picture” and the health screening requirements in place
