The impact of the Omicron variant continues to dominate headlines, as the US becomes the latest country to tighten travel restrictions.
While confusion about whether people should hold Christmas parties over the next few weeks continues, with one hotel brand blaming “mixed messages” from ministers for the cancellation of festive events.
Here are the headlines that travel woke up on Friday (3 December)
Visitors to Britain won’t have to take pre-departure Covid tests
Transport secretary Grant Shapps has insisted that tourists to the UK will not have to take pre-departure Covid tests before they arrive. Shapps also urged families to continue booking overseas holidays, as long as they take out insurance policies. He added that vaccine passports would become the “norm” for travel. (Daily Telegraph)
Jab results boost hopes of beating Omicron
Booster Covid-19 jabs have been found to “massively” strengthen the body’s defences against the virus, according to research from scientists. The results have raised hopes that the extra jabs will provide strong protection from the new Omicron variant of the disease. (The Times)
Make your mind up about Christmas
Festive plans are in “chaos” after the government gave conflicting messages over Christmas parties. Prime minister Boris Johnson has continued to insist that parties should go ahead as planned, but a business minister suggested they should be scrapped due to the Omicron variant. (The Mirror)
UK hotels hit by wave of cancellations as Omicron concerns grow
Hotels in the UK have been hit by a “wave” of Christmas cancellations as organisations cancel parties and events, amid concerns about the spread and impact of the Omicron variant. Best Western blamed “mixed messaging” from ministers for already damaging festive trade. (The Guardian)
Biden tightens travel rules amid new Omicron cases
US president Joe Biden has unveiled stricter Covid-19 travel rules as the US confirmed a handful of cases of the Omicron variant. Biden said his new raft of restrictions “doesn’t include shutdowns or lockdowns". Omicron cases have so far been detected in California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Hawaii. (BBC News)
Fresh warning over Heathrow travel chaos on Boxing Day
Passengers using Heathrow over the Christmas period are being warned they could face travel “chaos” getting to the airport, due to engineering works being planned by both Transport for London and Network Rail on Boxing Day – one of the busiest days for departures in the calendar. (Evening Standard)
50 people infected with Omicron at Christmas party in Norway
At least 50 people in the Norwegian capital of Oslo have been infected with the Omicron variant, with the cases linked to a recent company Christmas party. Health officials said the group of people who were infected had “high vaccination coverage”. (Sky News)
