Three Towns Forum
The Local => Covid-19 => Topic started by: SteveH on March 12, 2021, 10:41:44 am
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Lots of talk about traveling abroad, I am remembering this time last year when the planes were returning from Italy with the infected tourists, a major part in the spread of infection in the UK, we have seen examples recently of tourists breaking the rules of quarantine, and also arriving in the UK from RED countries via non quarantine countries, this behavior would only increase, I know every one is ready for a break, but I would not consider traveling abroad as I feel they are putting financial matters over health, and talking of money I think it would benefit the UK more if we put our cash into "Staycations"
I would be interested to know who would consider traveling abroad during the pandemic.......................... Possible poll Ian ?
First Minister gives his view on Boris Johnson's idea to allow foreign holidays from May
England's roadmap for the reopening of society earmarks May 17 as the time foreign trips could resume
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/first-minister-gives-view-boris-20098743 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/first-minister-gives-view-boris-20098743)
Covid: When can I go on holiday abroad
The earliest date people from England will be able to travel abroad for a holiday is 17 May, when the government hopes to move to step three of its lockdown exit plan.
This will be dependent on four tests being met - including the vaccine rollout going smoothly and no surge in Covid-related hospital admissions.
At the moment, foreign travel is heavily restricted, and returning travellers have to quarantine when they re-enter the UK.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52646738 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52646738)
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Thanks Ian, for arranging the above poll.
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I know of one local woman who has had three foreign holidays within the space of 6 weeks. One of the breaks was to a country on the red list.
Not once did she quarantine or isolate herself and has had no Covid tests and immediately she came home on the three occasions she celebrated by visiting places in England that were under Tier 3 lockdowns
She is not the only one doing that type of thing as there are many similar selfish and irresponsible people acting like her.
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Remembering the fun filled times of holidays abroad, could result in disappointment.........How are European countries tackling the pandemic
Most European countries introduced lockdown measures at the start of the year, to fight new peaks in infections and deaths.
While some are starting to ease restrictions, others are extending lockdowns or introducing new regional measures.
Full list ... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-53640249 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-53640249)
Covid-19 pandemic: Italy to shut shops and schools amid infection spike
Shops, restaurants and schools will be closed across most of Italy on Monday, with PM Mario Draghi warning of a "new wave" of the coronavirus outbreak.
For three days over Easter, 3-5 April, there will be a total shutdown.
Italy, which one year ago imposed one of the first national lockdowns, is once again struggling to contain the rapid spread of infections.
The country has reported more than 100,000 Covid-related deaths, Europe's second highest tally after the UK.
Italy's vaccination campaign has been hit by delays, as has been seen elsewhere in the European Union.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56382608 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56382608)
Please check out the above poll
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From the small number who voted in the above poll, it would seem four others feel the same as I do, please vote one way or another, it would be interesting to see a larger result, thanks.
Where can I summer holiday abroad when UK travel bans are lifted?
It is currently illegal to travel abroad for holidays, but the UK government’s roadmap for exiting lockdown states that a new taskforce to review global travel restrictions will report on 12 April. International travel restrictions from England will not be lifted until 17 May at the earliest. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to set a date for the resumption of international travel.
However, summer holiday bookings have already surged in anticipation, even while some politicians and public health experts have cautioned it is too early to be certain that they can take place. Some countries have already announced the restrictions that will apply to visitors from the UK once borders reopen and people are able to travel internationally again.
cont / list https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/mar/15/where-can-i-summer-holiday-abroad-when-uk-travel-bans-are-lifted (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/mar/15/where-can-i-summer-holiday-abroad-when-uk-travel-bans-are-lifted)
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Please vote in the poll at the top of this page, it would be interesting to see a larger result, thanks.
An extension to the ban on foreign holidays in order to control the spread of coronavirus cannot be ruled out, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said.
Mr Wallace told the BBC that booking a trip abroad would be "premature".
It comes after a scientist on a government advisory body said summer holidays overseas are "extremely unlikely" because of the risk of travellers bringing variants to the UK.
Non-essential travel is banned and those coming to the UK must quarantine.
A government taskforce will report to the prime minister on 12 April detailing when and how international travel can resume.
Under the current roadmap for easing restrictions, the earliest date people in England could holiday abroad would be 17 May.
People can currently travel abroad for a limited number of reasons, such as education or work.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56475666 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56475666)
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Covid: £5,000 fine for people going on holiday abroad, BBC 1 hour ago
A £5,000 fine for anyone in England trying to travel abroad without good reason is due to come into force next week as part of new coronavirus laws.
The penalty is included in legislation that will be voted on by MPs on Thursday.
Foreign holidays are currently not allowed under the "stay at home" rule which ends on Monday.
From next week the ban on leaving the UK will become a specific law, backed up by the threat of the fine.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56493002 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56493002)
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Mark Drakeford has called on people to take holidays in Wales this summer rather than heading abroad.
Wales' First Minister said he would encourage people in Wales to holiday domestically over the summer in place of a trip abroad due to the coronavirus situation.
But he said if UK Government rules allowed for trips abroad, they would not seek to stand in the way of this.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain ahead of a press conference this afternoon, Mr Drakeford said: "I'd say that this is the year to have your holiday in Wales. There are so many fantastic opportunities here.
"If ever there was a year to enjoy what we have domestically, and to find those spots in Wales that you haven't visited before, this is the year to do it."
Cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-say-foreign-holidays-20300150 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-say-foreign-holidays-20300150)
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South African Covid variant accounts for one in seven cases in most of Europe
European summer holidays in doubt as data shows 23 out of 27 EU countries have reported and sequenced the South African coronavirus variant
Extract from the Telegraph
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GOING on foreign holidays this summer risks bringing new variants of coronavirus back from countries where cases are on the rise, Wales’ First Minister has said.
“Everybody will have seen the actions that have happened in France just overnight. Not just in France, but in Italy and Germany, in other parts of the continent where the virus is in circulation again.
“It’s not simply that the numbers of people suffering from coronavirus is going up so quickly, but new variants are present in those outbreaks, and what I don’t want to see is those new variants being re imported into Wales.” ref Pioneer
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The boss of EasyJet has said testing requirements under a proposed "traffic light" system for international travel would be too expensive.
Under the system, no isolation would be necessary on return to the UK from so-called "green" countries.
But pre-departure and post-arrival tests would be required, potentially costing up to £200 each.
Johan Lundgren said: "You wouldn't open up international travel for everyone, but only those who can afford it."
Mr Lundgren told the BBC's Today programme that the cost of getting the tests would exceed a typical EasyJet fare.
On Sunday, plans for a risk-based system to restart foreign travel were outlined, in which countries would be classified as "green", "amber" or "red" based on their infection rates and vaccination coverage.
However, while the prime minister said he was "hopeful" that non-essential foreign travel could begin again on 17 May, he added that more data was needed before a firm decision could be taken.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56647119 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56647119)
Please add to the poll at the top of this page .............
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After hearing a few remarks that the new Indian virus strain, is not being affected by vaccines, and that India is still not on the red list, I can only hope the government acts quickly, and halts flights, and not ignore the dangers, as they did over a year ago, especially as the UK is beginning to improve so well.
India reported 259,170 new cases and 1,761 deaths over a 24-hour period on Tuesday, according to government data.
It is the sixth day in a row that India’s daily case count exceeded 200,000 while the daily death toll — still comparatively low — is inching higher. cont https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/20/india-coronavirus-second-wave-shows-no-signs-of-slowing.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/20/india-coronavirus-second-wave-shows-no-signs-of-slowing.html)
A new variant of coronavirus, first found in India in late 2020, has been discovered in the UK.
Health officials say the genetic changes it has undergone might make it more contagious - and past Covid infection or current vaccines may not offer full protection against it. More studies are needed to be sure.
What is the Indian variant?
There are many thousands of different versions, or variants, of Covid circulating.
More than 100 cases of the Indian variant (also known as B.1.617) have been confirmed in the UK. That may sound like a large number, but it is less than 1% of the Covid samples that have been analysed for their genetic make-up in the UK.
Public Health England says it appears a few of the cases are not linked to international travel. Investigations into how they were acquired are continuing.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55659820 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55659820)
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Update on above
Covid: Why was India not already on the red list?
India will be added to the government's travel-ban red list from Friday 23 April. (a bit late considering that international air travel was a big part of the problem.)
It came after Boris Johnson cancelled his planned trip to the country because of the Covid situation there.
India has been reporting more than 200,000 cases daily since 15 April.
But Pakistan and Bangladesh have both been on the red list since 9 April.
Announcing the decision on India, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government had now found 103 cases of this new variant in the UK. He said: "the vast majority have links to international travel and have been picked up by our testing at the border".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/56801288 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/56801288)
PS 8 Cases of the new Indian coronavirus variant have been confirmed in Wales
Public Health Wales have issued a statement on the matter
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cases-new-indian-coronavirus-variant-20433743 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cases-new-indian-coronavirus-variant-20433743)
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Shows how stringent our checks need to be.........especially as those who want to come to the UK from India, have to be here before Friday, if they don't want to go into mandatory quarantine, over 3,000 have already returned, with many more following.
Dozens of passengers test positive for COVID on flight from India to Hong Kong
At least 53 passengers on an Indian airline flight from Delhi to Hong Kong this month reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 – after everyone aboard had tested negative within 72 hours prior to departure.
The Vistara airline plane — which landed in Hong Kong on April 4 — can hold 188 passengers, but officials in the territory did not announce Tuesday how many were aboard the buggy flight, Agence France-Presse reported.
News about the large number of infections comes as the Chinese financial hub introduced an emergency ban on arrivals from India amid a new surge in cases.
The positive results emerged while the arriving passengers were undergoing Hong Kong’s mandatory three-week quarantine period, one of the strictest entry requirments in the world.
https://nypost.com/2021/04/20/dozens-of-passengers-test-positive-for-covid-on-flight-from-india/
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Welshman describes hectic four-hour airport queue as like 'swimming in Covid soup'
Stuart Rideout was forced to queue for 4 hours at Heathrow Airport after a trip to Germany
The 52-year-old filmmaker, who was behind both M&S and Waitrose's former Christmas ad campaigns and 2016's award-winning promo for the Climate Coalition, had been in Germany filming a commercial.
The scenes were something that even pre-coronavirus would bring dread to any traveller, never mind under the current conditions.
However, more than 12 months since the pandemic hit the up, it's what Mr Rideout faced when he arrived at Heathrow airport yesterday evening.
He said: “There were only 20 people on our plane back from Germany, so I thought I'd breeze straight through to the car park.
"Plus there were hardly any planes on the tarmac when we landed.
"But when we finally got to UK border control in Terminal 2, I was like, 'Oh my God'."
For the next four hours, Stuart found himself stuck in a long, snaking queue - "the kind you'd normally see for a ride at Disneyland" - and surrounded by hundreds of others.
"People did start off trying to socially distance, but that soon fell apart,"
"The queue just went back and forth, up and down, and soon there were bodies on all sides.
"It was really humid in there too, but - to be fair - airport staff were handing out bottles of water.
"Even then though there's that uneasy feeling of touching something that's been handed to you by someone else.
"And if this is what it's like while it's still supposed to be essential travel only, God knows what'll happen when everything's opened back up again."
Stuart said that he'd already had a PCR test and filled out the relevant passenger locator forms in order to travel - in addition to which he'd been tested daily whilst working on the project.
"It was really strict over there, but then you return here to stand in a room with hundreds of other people from all over the world and all of you are breathing the same air.
"Okay, I assume they will have also been tested before getting on their respective flights, but there was still one guy that had to get taken out of the queue because he was showing symptoms.
"He was then led away to be isolated."
Now also quarantining at home near Bridgend for 10 days as per government guidelines, Stuart added: "The whole experience felt like swimming in Covid soup.
full story and photos/ video https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welshman-describes-hectic-four-hour-20456609 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welshman-describes-hectic-four-hour-20456609)
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Curbs on foreign travel should continue in order to stop Covid variants coming to the UK, a group of MPs has said.
More details are expected this week confirming whether international travel can restart from 17 May in England.
But the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus said restrictions should be kept in place beyond that date.
Airports are a "breeding ground" for the virus, with arrivals mixing together despite travelling from green, amber or red countries, the group said.
The group of more than 60 MPs and peers said the government should discourage people from travelling abroad unless it is essential.
It has also published a list of recommendations to make airports safer, including making sure arrival halls have enough space to social distance and separate travellers coming from higher-risk countries.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56970260 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56970260)
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UK travellers returning from "red list" countries are flying home via Turkey to avoid hefty hotel quarantine fees. &shake&
Passengers are breaking their journey in Istanbul, and staying in hotels there for a fraction of the cost they would have to pay in Britain.
Travellers from countries on the red list would otherwise face bills of up to £1,750-per-person to isolate in a hotel if they flew to the UK directly.
Those using the route must still quarantine at home once back in the UK.
One hotel worker in Istanbul said he had seen British nationals flying in from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh - which are all on the UK's red list.
The BBC has also spoken to travellers returning from Pakistan to the UK, many of whom were attending weddings or funerals and say they couldn't afford the cost of quarantining once the rules changed.
As long as they isolate at home for 10 days after returning from a non-red list country, they are not breaking the UK government's Covid rules.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56984057 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56984057)
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People should avoid foreign holidays this year even though they may be allowed to, Wales' first minister says.
UK government advice is that from Monday people in England can holiday abroad in a small number of countries.
But Welsh ministers say people in Wales should only go abroad from 17 May for "essential purposes" and Mark Drakeford urged people to stay in Wales.
Mr Drakeford is due to announce later that Wales will move to Covid alert level two from Monday.
He is due to make the announcement at the next Welsh government Covid restrictions review press conference.
Mr Drakeford said officials "decided to hold back" on relaxing some lockdown restrictions on Monday because of concerns about the Indian variant.
He said 17 cases of the variant were confirmed in Wales on Thursday, and more than 700 in England.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57102249 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57102249)
I heard yesterday that fake passports are a cause for concern in Germany ?
Covid-19 vaccines, vaccine passports and faked negative test papers are being sold on the darknet.
Prices range between $500 (£360) and $750 for doses of AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinopharm or Johnson & Johnson jabs.
Fake vaccination certificates are also being sold by anonymous traders for as little as $150.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56489574 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56489574)
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Matt Hancock warns UK tourists 'not to travel to amber list countries’
International travel is allowed once again from today with 12 countries available for leisurely travel without isolating on return. These are defined as ‘green list’ countries.
However, holiday hotspots that UK tourists usually travel to for summer sun - including Spain, Greece, Italy and France - remain on the amber list.
Brits can travel to these destinations, however, they will need to quarantine for 10 days and have two negative Covid tests - one on day two and the other on day eight of quarantine.
They will also be required to complete a passenger locator form and test negative for Covid before arriving back into the UK.
‘Unless it’s absolutely necessary’
In spite of being able to visit amber list countries, Hancock said people should “certainly not” travel to these tourist hot spots, through fear of catching mutant strains of Covid.
‘Vulnerable to new variants’
Professor John Bell, a member of the government’s vaccine task force, reportedly also warned that visiting Europe was risky as many countries on the continent remain “largely unvaccinated” and “vulnerable to new variants.”
Hancock’s advice to steer clear of amber list countries comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to use a "heavy dose of caution" when hugging their families, visiting the pub and travelling abroad.
In a statement on Sunday 16 May, as the country prepared for a significant relaxation of Covid restrictions, Johnson said: “Together we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19309940.matt-hancock-warns-uk-tourists-not-travel-amber-list-countries/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19309940.matt-hancock-warns-uk-tourists-not-travel-amber-list-countries/)
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Travellers should use "common sense" when considering overseas trips, the transport secretary has said, as he defended the UK's traffic light system.
Grant Shapps said people should only go to countries on the "amber" list in "exceptional circumstances", amid concern over the Indian Covid variant.
The boss of airline EasyJet said people were "confused" by the system.
Ministers say they can carry out 10,000 checks a day in England to ensure travellers self-isolate where needed.
Asked on BBC Breakfast whether it was responsible to go on holiday to an amber country, Mr Shapps said: "The guidance is not to. We've said you should only go to amber countries in exceptional circumstances."
He said England was "moving towards unlock", having passed the third stage of its roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions, and was "starting to shift responsibility back to individuals".
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57183259 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57183259)
An 81-year-old man who hoped it was fourth time lucky for a Spanish holiday got all the way to the check-in desk to find he was barred from flying.
People in Wales have been able to go on trips abroad to some countries since Monday after Covid rules lifted.
However Garry Tate was told he could not get on his Malaga flight from Cardiff Airport as Spain's borders are shut to UK tourists.
The airport said travellers must check Covid rules before booking flights.
Mr Tate, who lives alone in Cardiff, said he had been "excited" to travel after re-booking the trip three times.
He said he wants people to be aware they need to check the rules in the destination country even if the UK's traffic light travel permit system indicates it is legal to travel.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57176693 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57176693)
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Welsh holidaymakers urged to holiday in Wales - and only travel abroad if 'essential'
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said we should support local businesses and help prevent the virus being re-imported to Wales.
The Welsh Government is urging holidaymakers to only travel overseas if it is absolutely essential this year - and instead holiday in Wales.
Health Minister, Eluned Morgan told a coronavirus briefing this afternoon people should "enjoy everything Wales has to offer" as the fight against Covid continues.
She said we need to do everything we can "to prevent coronavirus from being re-imported into Wales from travel abroad" - and should instead support local businesses which have been hard hit by the pandemic.
"I know people are looking forward to a holiday after the year we have all had, but this is the year to holiday at home and enjoy everything Wales has to offer",
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-holidaymakers-urged-holiday-wales-20665856 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-holidaymakers-urged-holiday-wales-20665856)
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Of course this has nothing to do with him keeping control does it?
I agree that we should be extremely cautious and not relax our vigil against covid but there are equally big threats to international travel depending on where you venture. The only saving grace is the vaccination policy ( and Wales are doing pretty well) but what's the point of a vaccination policy if it doesn't allow you to return to normal life?
Personally I'm venturing out of Wales but not the UK so it's not as if I'm desperate to head to the European beaches and guaranteed sunshine. I'll wait for that opportunity but it's more to do with the inconvenience of testing etc than the fear of getting Covid. I am, as far as I'm concerned, double jabbed and if that doesn't protect me I might as well say that's it.Life forever in chains.
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what's the point of a vaccination policy if it doesn't allow you to return to normal life?
Dave: it's not about protecting you as much as it's about stopping transmission. From detailed studies (I seriously doubt any disease has been as studied as this one has...) it's been found that the vaccinated can still spread the disease, which is worrying in and of itself. But there's more: the so-called 'Kent' variant almost certainly emerged from someone who'd been vaccinated.
Viruses, despite not being alive, frequently evolve and mutate (same thing, really) and they do this in order to overcome threats to their existence. A virus invading the cells of someone who's been double-dosed will attempt to mutate to a form that can overcome the defences of that person.
All viruses mutate, sometimes as many as a thousand times per hour, but fortunately most mutations are non-viable. However, there's still a very long way to go before normal life can resume, sadly.
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The Welsh Government has announced details of how residents in Wales can apply for a vaccination certificate for urgent international travel.
The travel 'passport' will allow travelers to demonstrate they have received both doses of a Covid vaccine.
People living in Wales can request a certificate if:
They have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (they should wait five days after their second dose before requesting it)
They urgently need to travel to a country which requires vaccine certification
They are not able to either quarantine or provide tests to meet country entry requirements.
It comes as international travel for people in Wales restarted on May 17.
In the meantime people can call 0300 303 5667 to request a vaccination certificate for urgent international travel only.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-vaccine-passport-you-live-20671688 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-vaccine-passport-you-live-20671688)
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EasyJet customers were left disappointed and confused after the airline announced several last-minute cancellations last week.
And many holidaymakers who have been left grounded are unsure if they will be able to get a refund or an alternative flight.
The budget airline has been accused of replacing the flights, many of which were snapped up by customers as part of a discounted deal, with inconvenient or expensive alternatives.
Last week EasyJet issued an urgent update to all customers that it would be scrapping the bulk of its planned services.
The airline tweeted: "The majority of our flights are being cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/easyjet-cancels-flights-last-minute-20715890 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/easyjet-cancels-flights-last-minute-20715890)
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Palma Airport two days ago
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TUI confirms yet more holidays cancelled - including some that were scheduled for 2022
The travel provider said earlier this week that 'ongoing uncertainty with international cruising' had led to more cancellations
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/tui-confirms-yet-more-holidays-20790008 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/tui-confirms-yet-more-holidays-20790008)
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A couple say they were barred from a flight to Malta from Manchester Airport because they had received the Indian-made AstraZeneca jab.
Steve and Glenda Hardy, 64 and 63, from Hull, said they were turned away from the flight on Friday because they had been given two doses of the Indian-made 'Covishield' jab.
Holidaymakers were checking their jab's batch number as claims emerged that the EU's Covid passport scheme will not recognise the AstraZeneca doses made in India.
The EU is rolling out a Digital Covid Certificate so travellers can prove their vaccination status so they don't have to quarantine.
The certificate reportedly would not recognise the Indian-made AstraZeneca batch noted on the NHS app.
The batch numbers for the Indian manufactured doses are: 4120Z001, 4120Z002 and 4120Z003.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-say-were-barred-malta-21046864 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-say-were-barred-malta-21046864)
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« Reply #425 on the Covid thread, Yesterday at 10:10:25 AM »
“High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with delta can transmit the virus,” Walensky reiterated in a new statement issued Friday. “This finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC’s updated mask recommendation. The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones.”
full article https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20210730/leaked-cdc-document-new-report-warn-of-deltas-contagiousness (https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20210730/leaked-cdc-document-new-report-warn-of-deltas-contagiousness)
British Airways increases capacity on key routes to UK from USA and Europe
Move comes after the UK Government announced that quarantine restrictions would be lifted for fully-vaccinated US and EU passengers
cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/british-airways-increases-capacity-key-21200820?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/british-airways-increases-capacity-key-21200820?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
PS
The first passengers have been arriving in the UK after rules changed to allow those who were fully vaccinated in the US and EU to avoid quarantine.
The change, which came in at 04:00 BST, affects those arriving from countries on the UK's amber list - except France.
The UK government said the change will help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58050538 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58050538) &shake&
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The cost of NHS coronavirus tests for international arrivals to the UK have been reduced, the government has said.
Test and Trace tests have been cut from £88 to £68 for people arriving from green-listed countries and for those coming from amber-listed countries who are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the price of two tests for amber arrivals who have not had both jabs has been cut from £170 to £136.
The prices of all providers of day two and eight tests are to be reviewed.
It comes after Health Secretary Sajid Javid asked the competition watchdog to investigate "excessive" pricing and "exploitative practices" among PCR Covid test firms.
He said misleading pricing will be clamped down on and providers failing to meet necessary standards will be removed from the government's approved list.
NHS Test and Trace advertises its tests alongside private companies' packages and they are available to purchase to fulfil the government's testing requirements for international travel.
This is the second time the price of NHS tests has been reduced; previously the cost of a day two and eight package was £210.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58206517 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58206517)
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Sajid Javid has promised to crack down on "cowboy" behaviour by companies selling Covid tests to travellers returning from abroad.
The Health Secretary said 57 private travel testing firms were to be removed from the official list on the gov.uk website, and a further 82 are to be issued with a two-strike warning over their conduct.
The crackdown was prompted by a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) review that discovered some companies were displaying lower prices on the gov.uk site, which lists a variety of providers, than customers would have to pay at the checkout.
The consumer rights group Which? condemned the Government for taking nearly half a year to "properly audit" its own list of private test providers to remove firms that do not exist and those who advertise misleading prices.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holiday-warning-crackdown-cowboy-covid-21382980 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holiday-warning-crackdown-cowboy-covid-21382980)
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Nearly a third of people arriving in England and Northern Ireland as the coronavirus Delta variant took off may have broken quarantine rules.
More than 300,000 cases were passed to investigators between March and May, according to figures seen by the BBC.
The government was not able to say how many of these were found to have broken the rules or could not be traced.
The Home Office has said it aims to pay home visits to all travellers suspected of not following the rules.
But Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the figures obtained by the BBC "confirm our worst fears" about the government's "lax border policy".
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58517123 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58517123)
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We asked readers how they felt about travelling abroad in Covid times - and this was the response
While some faced found it difficult, others found travelling overseas easy, but many still won't go
Many people still don't want to travel abroad as the coronavirus pandemic continues, according to a poll.
Wales' residents can go for a holiday in countries on the green and amber lists, but depending where they're headed, they may need to fulfill different testing and quarantining requirements.
That entails extra costs and time, sorting out forms and tests.
In a recent North Wales Live survey 125 (60%) of the 209 who responded, said they were not comfortable travelling abroad; 60 (29%) were fine with it; while 24 (11%) were not sure.
The main reasons people were put off were, uncertainty around travel lists 131 (42%); cost of PCR tests 84 (27%); and fear of catching Covid 66 (21%). But 12 (4%) said they had no concerns.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/asked-readers-how-felt-travelling-21512188 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/asked-readers-how-felt-travelling-21512188)
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Tui has cancelled holidays in September and October to a number of popular tourist destinations in the latest blow to travellers.
Popular destinations which are now off-limits include Turkey, Italy, Florida and the Maldives.
Cancellations are just one of the difficulties facing anyone hoping to make it abroad this year as Covid rules continue to change both in the UK and abroad.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/latest-tui-holiday-cancellations-september-21570172 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/latest-tui-holiday-cancellations-september-21570172)
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A bit of a fluff story, but it does bring up the cost involved in quarantining.
Michaela Strachan under fire over branding £2,250 quarantine hotel a 'prison'
The Springwatch TV star branded it a ‘posh prison’ and claimed she was watched by ‘security guards’ as she returned to the UK
cont https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/michaela-strachan-under-fire-over-21583812?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/michaela-strachan-under-fire-over-21583812?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
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Holidaymakers will be charged extra fees when travelling to EU countries from next year.
New EU rules will mean travellers from the UK will have to pay extra costs and fill out extra paperwork to go on holiday.
The changes, expected to come into force in 2022, will require non-EU residents to complete an application form before they travel to ensure entry to the EU.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/british-tourists-pay-enter-eu-22227343 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/british-tourists-pay-enter-eu-22227343)
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The popular holiday destinations that could end up back on the UK red list
It follows a rise in cases in Western Europe which could see countries go back into full lockdown
The Department for Transport is reviewing this every three weeks, and countries could be added back on it if cases rise there.
Europe is currently the epicentre for a new spike in cases, with Austria bracing to enter a full-scale lockdown from Monday (November 22) for 10 days after a rise in cases there.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/popular-holiday-destinations-could-end-22235913 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/popular-holiday-destinations-could-end-22235913)
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Omicron variant: Mark Drakeford calls on UK Government to tighten travel restrictions ref pioneer
Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford want a four nations tightening of these rules, "We know, that the incubation period for this virus is very often more than 2 days.
"a tougher four-nations approach to travel restrictions, that "would see people arriving in the UK from overseas asked to self-isolate for eight days", taking a PCR test on day two and day eight of their arrival.
Explaining their reasoning for the proposed tightening of restrictions, "We believe that this measure would be more effective in identifying cases of the Omicron variant which result from overseas travel, and therefore at preventing further community transmission from imported cases."
A four nations approach is vital to ensure any travel restrictions are effective.
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It's sound advice but will bumbling Boris be late again in tightening up these restrictions?
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Don't forget Bumbling and incompetent.
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Covid travel rules for holidaymakers returning to the UK will be made stricter this week.
The government has confirmed testing requirements for travelling abroad will largely return to what they were earlier this year, while another country will be added to the travel red list.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes.
What are the new UK Covid travel rules?
From 4am on Tuesday (7 December), anyone travelling to the UK from a country not on the red list will need to take a pre-departure test a maximum of 48 hours before travel, regardless of their vaccination status.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19764134.uk-entry-requirement-covid-full-list-changes-amid-rise-omicron-cases/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19764134.uk-entry-requirement-covid-full-list-changes-amid-rise-omicron-cases/)
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and travel rules are relaxed from tomorrow !
Excellent news, will save me £70 not having to have two PCR tests added to the cost of our upcoming trip!
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A "greater number of passengers than expected" led to huge queues at Manchester Airport this morning.
Many claimed the long delays at security caused them to "miss flights."
Check-in desks were also described as "beyond a joke" as staff became overwhelmed by a surge in holidaymakers.
One woman told the Manchester Evening News that her flight to Gran Canaria with TUI departed more than two hours late due to delays getting the baggage on the plane.
Kathleen Moorland said she was still sat on the plane on the runway at 12.45pm - when it was meant to be departing at 10.10am this morning.
"you need to get your act together on logistics! Ridiculous queues for security stretching all the way down to bottom and back round T2 "
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/chaos-manchester-airport-huge-queues-23323854#comments-wrapper (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/chaos-manchester-airport-huge-queues-23323854#comments-wrapper)
And comment of the day "oh well its good way to pass the virus in situations like that of queuing"
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A lack of staff at Manchester Airport has led to people facing long waits for baggage collection, as the airport struggles with increased demand.
The airport has suffered delays for weeks, with hours-long queues for security causing some to miss flights.
On Saturday, returning passengers were told there were not enough staff to get the bags through - or even to let them disembark from planes in some cases.
The airport said it was struggling to recruit and train staff to meet demand.
The difficulties come as Easter holidays begin in parts of the UK, and demand increases after the removal of all Covid travel restrictions to enter the UK.
Passengers said they were told in the baggage hall that there were not enough staff to get the bags through.
One man told the BBC a member of staff had said "they've got rid of everyone [staff] and no one wants to come back".
Other people complained on Twitter that they were left stuck on planes because "there's no ground crew available to let us off".
The issues at the airport, which is partly owned by Manchester City Council, have been blamed on a "failure of management" by one councillor.
The airport apologised to passengers whose experience had "fallen short of the standards they expected".
It said it was experiencing some of the busiest periods in two years and advised people to arrive at the "earliest time recommended by their airline".
It said it was "under-resourced" and was struggling to recruit more staff, who take "a lot of time to train, up to eight weeks", adding there were shortages of baggage handlers and handling agents.
The airport is "exploring a number of short-term measures" to alleviate delays, including the use of agency staff.
On Friday, the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said its members had been trying to hire for new roles following job losses and staff departing during the pandemic.
But it warned recruitment problems and Covid-related staff absences could put operations at airports under strain.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60968488 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60968488)
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Spain makes dramatic U-turn on announcement unvaccinated Brits could travel for Easter holidays
The Spanish Tourist Office said the announcement was mistakenly made after an official bulletin was misinterpreted
Spanish authorities have backtracked on an earlier announcement to welcome unvaccinated British travellers to the country in time for Easter.
Under current rules, anyone over the age of 12 can enter Spain if they were fully vaccinated against Covid, or if they have proof of Covid recovery within the six months prior to travel. You can find out how to get proof of Covid recovery here.
Yesterday reports claimed the Spanish Tourist Office had confirmed that the rules were being relaxed for all unvaccinated travellers, regardless of age so long as they could show proof of a negative Covid test. However, today authorities announced a dramatic U-turn on the decision.
According to the Independent, hours after the initial announcement, the Spanish Tourist Office apologised, stating the rules will not be changing for unvaccinated travellers. The confusion is understood to have come after an official bulletin was misinterpreted.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spain-makes-dramatic-u-turn-23622474 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spain-makes-dramatic-u-turn-23622474)
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Good news but who would currently risk going through security at Manchester Airport?
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Manchester Airport has queues out into car park as passengers report 'shambolic' scenes
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has warned that the problem could ensue for another two months
Travellers attempting to jet off from Terminal One in time for the Easter Holidays have expressed their anger and said they were met with "shambolic" scenes, but praised exhausted staff for doing their best. It comes as the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, warned that queues and delays could continue for at least another two months as he criticised airport bosses for reacting "too late" on recruitment.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/manchester-airport-queues-out-car-23677138 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/manchester-airport-queues-out-car-23677138)
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More misery ahead for airport users, says baggage handler
Member of staff predicts months of misery ahead
The Daily Mirror reports the worker claims that their crew is working with half the number they did before the pandemic, meaning their efforts to load and unload the aircraft in good time are inevitably in vain. The baggage handler, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said better conditions and pay elsewhere had led many experienced colleagues to leave.
Read more https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/more-misery-ahead-airport-users-24536435?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
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Return of air route is 'great news' for tourism in North Wales
Direct air links between Manchester Airport and China will be restored for the first time since the start of the pandemic
You can now fly on the new BA.5 service direct.................. &shake&
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Brits travelling to Spain issued money warning as miserable price hike expected
You'll be paying ?500 more for your holiday than this time last year, according to new research
There's bad news for Brits looking to travel to Spain in the next few months. Now summer has ended, thousands of us look to holiday abroad for substantially cheaper prices in the colder "back to school" months - but people are being warned of a price hike.
For a week's getaway, you will likely end up paying at least ?505 more now than you would?ve done this time last year, new research has revealed. The findings, from the foreign exchange expert eurochange, follows a year-on-year comparison of accommodation fees, restaurant meals, car hire and currency exchange rates, which reveal significant annual increases across the board in mainland Spain.
Given that their findings do not take the cost of flights into account - which are reported to cost around 45% more now than they did last year - the price hike could be even higher. The area that?s seen the biggest annual increase is car hire, which costs 136% more than this time last year, with Brits expecting to shell out ?609 for a week's rental, or ?52 per day,
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/brits-travelling-spain-issued-money-25124482
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Strikes by Border Force staff at UK airports could go on for months unless the government enters talks over pay, the head of the PCS union has said.
Mark Serwotka said the PCS had a "mandate" for walkouts up until May.
Thousands of travellers arriving in the UK have been told to expect disruption over the festive period as passport control staff began strikes on Friday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64060584
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Covid tests for China travellers to UK ending
Travellers flying into England from mainland China will no longer have to provide proof of a negative pre-departure test from next month.
The change will come into effect on 5 April - exactly three months after the measures started.
Ministers brought in controls after a spike in cases following Beijing's relaxation of its zero-Covid policy.
Their removal comes after greater transparency from China, the government said.
In a statement, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that there has been increased information on "testing, vaccination and genomic sequencing results" on China's domestic disease levels.
The data indicates that Covid variants seen in China "continue to be the same as those already circulating in the UK", it added.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64993197
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Easyjet has confirmed it has cancelled 1,700 flights as people prepare to travel on their summer holidays.
The airline has axed flights during July, August and September, travelling to and from Gatwick airport.
Easyjet blamed constrained airspace over Europe and ongoing air traffic control difficulties, which are causing regular cancellations.
It said 95% of affected passengers had been re-booked onto other flights.
Easyjet announced the decision as many schools in England and Wales prepare to break-up for the summer holidays.
The company said the cancellations roughly represent the equivalent of one day's worth of flights. It will still operate about 90,000 journeys over the period.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66153416
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On Prime video (free to all who have a Prime sub) there's a chilling documentary about Ryanair (https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0R5LG0INMLGD7ELZJI41RYZ2H8), which spells out why there will be a terrible disaster in the near future. Meanwhile, Ryanair is still rated the worst airline in Europe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MMsx4cVfWY)bar none, and the management culture there is said to be beyond toxic. Having watched the documentary it's fairly clear why people only ever fly once.
We have only flown Ryanair once, around fifteen years ago, and never since.
It seems you might need a VPN to watch it.
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Thanks for that, :o my sister spotted a ridiculously cheap flight from Nantes to Manchester last Friday, ?57.00 return, and as we had not seen each for some time, booked the flight, just over an hour flying time, said it was what she expected for the money, and is flying back tomorrow, I will not show her your post...... ;)
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Perhaps after she lands? ;)
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Warning to holidaymakers as third of airports hike drop-off fee
Anyone heading to an airport has been told to ?brace themselves?
Drop-off fees for drivers have increased at more than a third of major UK airports in the past year, according to new research. Eight of the 21 airports analysed have raised or introduced charges for dropping off passengers since August 2022, an RAC investigation found.
Drivers should ?brace themselves? for record high fees, the motoring services company said. The biggest upswing in existing so-called kiss and fly charges ? which are typically levied for dropping off someone as close to a terminal as possible ? are at Southampton and Belfast International airports.
cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/warning-holidaymakers-third-airport-hike-27310958?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
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Drug-resistant bug warning to holidaymakers as illness surges through Spain and other Euro resorts
The main symptoms of the disease include fever, severe diarrhoea and stomach pain
Brit holidaymakers have been warned about a potentially deadly stomach bug, spreading in popular tourist hotspots in Europe.
The dangerous shigella sonnei infection - also know as shigellosis - is said to be breaking out in clusters and become resistant to multiple drugs. Experts have singled out tourist destinations in Spain, as well as Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, reports the MIrror.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/drug-resistant-bug-warning-holidaymakers-27375820
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Of the meagre 7 that replied to the survey, I was the only one that said I'd travel when Covid vaccinated.
I wonder how that reads now?
Covid is still about and I have already been to 5 European and 4 worldwide destinations in the last 23 months and I'm heading back to India in the near future.
From a health point of view I have yet to catch so much as a cold when travelling on a plane but managed to get covid post vaccination , probably on a packed tram in Manchester heading to the Etihad.
We lost too!.
All this scare mongering is ruining lives by those who buy in to it. Might as well take your chance and enjoy life while you can, it could all come to an abrupt end anyway
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Travelling with counterfeit goods could land you in jail or facing hefty fines
Donning some knock-off goods isn't unusual, but some countries' rules could see travellers in some trouble
Travelling is an exciting experience that helps you explore new cultures and places and, whether you want to take photos for your Instagram or personal collection, many of us want to look stylish on the go. With the cost of living being so high, you may be tempted to wear counterfeit goods while travelling, but Ben Schreiber from handbag company Latico Leathers warns that doing so could result in a criminal conviction and a hefty fine.
cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/travelling-counterfeit-goods-could-land-28115968?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589