Jake Dannatt:
With the vaccination programme accelerating at a rate we can all praise, the risk of travel abroad is something we cannot take for the time being. While millions have now had their jabs, this does not mean the virus has been eradicated.
For people in other countries across the world, vaccines have not yet been sufficiently distributed. Despite the UK having one of the best programmes, with 111.2 doses per 100 people, countries such as Jamaica and Egypt see that number as less than 7 doses. These popular tourist locations will unfortunately have to endure longer economic hits due to this. The virus can still be passed on by those who have had the vaccine, therefore unvaccinated citizens in other countries may be at risk.
Travel within the UK should continue to bring back a sense of normality. There are many destinations which offer just as good of an experience across the country and will also help the recovery of the economy.
New variants have posed a significant threat to the possibility of travel. For those who have refused the vaccine, they should carefully consider travelling abroad in the future, as this not only risks other’s and their own health but may lead to further mutations of the virus occurring. The vaccine has proven to weaken the virus and thus make it less likely that a particular strain mutates. It would be wise for the government to aid foreign countries in their vaccination programmes by sending surplus doses. This may be one of the only ways to prevent COVID having a further impact on our summer holidays and weekend getaways.
Forge Press opinion:
The government continues to advise against all but ‘essential’ travel however the definition of ‘essential’ is not clearly established. As clubs and borders open, I believe we should continue to adhere to the government’s advice, but we can afford ourselves a slightly looser definition of ‘essential’. For example, whilst previously my definition of ‘essential’ would have only included travel to visit family or friends in need, I now believe those of us who have spent over a year away from our families should have the opportunity to visit them. For some, a trip to Spain is not just a frivolous holiday but an opportunity to touch base with our nearest and dearest.
Similarly, whilst I previously would have thought only those who already have jobs abroad should continue to work abroad, I would now fully endorse those who are looking for work abroad. As a language’s student, I am all too aware of how work placements abroad can be both a vital part of a student’s studies and one of the first steps towards a career in teaching, translation, or business.
However, I think that it’s important to choose where we travel wisely. Of course, unless it is unavoidable, we should all avoid travelling to red list countries. If possible, one should only travel to green list countries. However, as more and more green list countries move to the green watchlist or the amber list, it appears that we cannot be sure that any country will remain on the green list throughout our stay.
We should also think carefully about when we choose to travel. SAGE scientists have warned that September and October ‘will be a particularly risky point in the trajectory of the pandemic’. So if you are keen to travel before the end of the summer it may be worth trying to do it before the end of the month.
Of course, I understand that the pandemic is far from over and I think we all need to continue to take precautions in all aspects of our lives, including travel. For that reason, I wouldn’t support anyone who seems to be travelling just for the sake of it e.g for a cheeky trip to Magaluf with the lads or a fun solo tour of Europe. However, I think a considered decision to work abroad or visit relatives does not suggest a disregard for the continuing dangers of the pandemic but rather an act of self-preservation.
