As the Omicron variant spreads, the US health agency CDC is now telling Americans to avoid cruise ships because of the high risk of contracting Covid-19 while onboard.
More positively, NHS chiefs say further Covid restrictions may not be necessary in England, while consumer research shows that spending on holidays will be a top priority for UK consumers in 2022.
Here are the headlines that travel woke up to on Friday (31 December).
France suspends transit ban allowing Britons to pass through country
Britons planning to return to their homes in EU countries after spending Christmas in the UK will be allowed to drive through France. The government in Paris has decided to suspend its transit ban for UK citizens after the festive holiday period. (Sky News)
Americans told to avoid cruises even if vaccinated
The US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned Americans to avoid cruises, even if they are fully vaccinated against Covid. The CDC said coronavirus can quickly spread in the confined spaces of a ship and the “likelihood” of infection was high. The agency raised its travel warning for cruise ships from level three to four - its highest level. (BBC News)
No need for further Covid curbs, say NHS bosses
NHS chiefs do not believe that the “threshold” for imposing new Covid-19 restrictions in England has been reached, despite a surge in hospital admissions following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Hospital admissions of people with Covid rose to 11,452 on Thursday (30 December) but the number of severe cases remain stable so far. (The Times)
South Africa says Omicron Covid wave has subsided
Authorities in South Africa say that it may have passed the peak of Omicron infections with no significant increase in the number of deaths from Covid. South Africa was the first country to identify the new variant and now plans to ease some of the restrictions imposed to combat the virus. (Daily Mail)
Holiday spending set to be a ‘priority’ for consumers in 2022
Spending on holidays is expected to be a top priority for consumers in 2022, but the outlook continues to be uncertain due to the impact of inflation and Covid, according to new research. During 2021, UK residents splashed out heavily on online shopping, takeaways, home improvements and streaming subscriptions as Covid restrictions continued. (The Guardian)
Thousands evacuated as Colorado wildfires spread
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated and hundreds of homes destroyed after wildfires spread through towns in the western US state of Colorado. The fires have been caused by high winds and follow a historic drought in the state. (The Independent)
