Cases hit a three-month high this week, forcing government to confront the possibility of reintroducing various restrictions to halt the spread, which could impact travel.

More positively, Israel is planning to finally reopen to fully vaccinated international tourists from the start of next month after reopening to organised tourist groups earlier this year.

Elsewhere, the UK government may bring forward Covid booster jabs for millions of people and interest rates could be going up soon as inflation heads towards 5%.

Here are the headlines travel woke up to on Friday (22 October):

UK families facing uncertainty over half-term holidays

Fears are rising that families could have their half-term breaks disrupted if more countries follow Morocco’s lead and ban flights from the UK because of surging coronavirus cases. Key European destinations, including Spain, France and Italy, currently have much lower Covid rates than the UK. (The i)

Israel to reopen to fully vaccinated foreign tourists next month

Tourists who are vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to enter Israel from 1 November, as the Israeli government plans to ease restrictions on international arrivals, which have been in place since the start of the pandemic in 2020. (Reuters)

Flight ban leaves British tourists stranded in Morocco

A group of 23 women are among hundreds of UK residents stuck in Morocco with no idea how to get home after the Moroccan government banned flights from the UK and several other European countries. The group were trekking in the Atlas mountains but are now unsure how to get back to the UK after their flight was cancelled. (The Times)

Covid booster jab could be brought forward

Millions of people could have their Covid-19 booster jab earlier than previously planned to help tackle increasing infection rates. The government is considering reducing the current six-month gap between the second and third vaccine doses. The potential move comes as daily case numbers in the UK went above 50,000 for the first time since July. (The Guardian)

UK’s interest rates may rise in two weeks

The Bank of England could raise the country’s key interest rate early next month to counter surging inflation which is heading close to 5%. Decision-makers are said to be “finely balanced” on whether to push up rates at their next meeting on 4 November. (The Telegraph) 

‘Long and strong’ earthquake strikes New Zealand – shaking buildings on both islands

New Zealand has been hit by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake which was felt across the country and caused buildings to shake on both islands. The quake struck near the city of New Plymouth on the North Island and was felt as far south as Christchurch. (The Daily Mail)