The Office for National Statistics found 53% of UK residents quizzed in July said testing was very important. The figure is consistent with June (52%), but a big decrease since May, when 64% agreed it was necessary.

Overseas visitors polled by the ONS’s International Passenger Survey showed similar sentiments, with 61% saying testing was very important in July, compared with 64% in June and 73% in May.

Roughly two thirds (64%) of all UK and 68% of overseas residents interviewed felt safe with social distancing during their journey in July, figures broadly consistent since spring.

At least two-thirds of UK and overseas residents said the wearing of face coverings made them feel safe during their journey into the UK. 

There has been a steady decline between April and July 2021 (74% to 67%) in the proportion of UK residents who said the wearing of face coverings made them feel safe.