We figured France and Italy would go amber, but don't give up just yet, we have until June 7th to see a turn around in numbers.
The traffic light system has been launched to allow travel from the UK to foreign countries, from May 17th. Red, Amber or Green are the colours. We should know by now what each one means but just incase;
RED
Travellers must quarantine in a Government approved hotel on return to the UK for 10 days at the travellers expense, and take mandatory PCR tests on day 2 and 10 of the quarantine, aswell as the pre departure tests in the UK and the country of travel, which can be lateral flow.
AMBER
As red, except travellers can quarantine in their own home, or any address they choose.
GREEN
No quarantine required. A test must be taken prior to travel in the UK, and pre departure from the holiday destination. These can be lateral flow tests. Then 1 PCR test is required on or before day two of return to the UK.
HOW MUCH WILL A COVID TEST COST?
A Lateral flow test in the UK will cost you £3 - £6, a PCR will currently cost £105, but this will be brought down to somewhere between £45 & £60. This is before any travel initiatives that companies or Governments introduce which may decrease the cost further.
HOW MUCH WILL A COVID TEST COST IN FRANCE?
A lateral flow test, with results ready in 30 minutes, will cost you nothing at the Grand Pharmacie du Bourg in the centre of town, even if you are a non-resident. This is all you need before returning to the UK.
WHAT COUNTRY IS ON WHAT LIST?
If you are reading this then you are probably most interested in what countries are on what list from our destinations.
France - AMBER
Italy - AMBER
Austria - AMBER
WHEN WILL THIS CHANGE?
The system will be updated every 3 weeks. Therefore the key dates before the start of the summer mountain bike season is June 7th. The next date after this should France and Italy remain on the amber list, will be June 28th.
COMPARING THE RATES OF CASES IN FRANCE TO ONE OF THE GREEN LIST COUNTRIES
Portugal is a country on the green list. France and Italy, is on the amber list. Comparing the countries it may not make for great reading today, however the vaccination rate is climbing rapidly, and both France and Italy have proven twice in the past they can bring numbers down significantly in a short space of time.
WILL FRANCE BE ON THE GREEN LIST BY SUMMER?
Million dollar question. We definitely hope so. The situation improves everyday. The numbers of cases and the infection rate is down 26% in general on the European average and falling, while the vaccination rate continues to increase.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN FRANCE?
16.5 million people have had at least 1 jab, with any age group with an underlying condition able to have the jab now, France moves into the under 50’s regardless of condition very soon. The 7 day average of infections is down to 20,000 per day and falling from 26,000 last week.
WHAT IS THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT SAYING?
The third lockdown is now over and the road map is on track to be completed. Chair Lifts will be able to open on time, though at the start under reduced capacity. Here is a recap of where France is at;
MAY 19th
- Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating can open
- Non-essential businesses can open
- The curfew extends to 21h
JUNE 9th
- From June 9th a health pass (Pass Sanitaire) will be implemented to allow access to certain events or facilities and the curfew pushes back to 23h
- Public outdoor events of up to 1,000 people may take place, with the health pass
- Indoor seating at bars and restaurants can start again
- Non EU tourists (That's the UK), can travel to France for tourism, a health pass will be required
JUNE 30th
- The curfew will be lifted Events will be able to held indoors with up to 5,000 people, with a health pass
WHAT IS A HEALTH PASS?
It will simply be a way of detailing your status in relation to Covid-19. Are you vaccinated, have you had the virus and recovered, showing antibodies or when your last test was and the outcome. Apps and passes from other nations will be able to be used in France if approved. INFO
WILL THE WORLD CUP IN LES GETS GO AHEAD ON JULY 3rd?
Yes. 100%. We’ve been out and spoken to the trail builders, they are out there now clearing the trail, which will have elements from the P2V Invitational held last year, with an entirely new middle section, will be steep, loamy and wild. Spectators will not be permitted in the numbers we say in 2019. However it is too early to say how, where, if and how many will be able to attend and what measures will be in place for them.
