Travellers returning to England from overseas may only have to spend as little as five to seven days in quarantine, not 14 as at present, under new UK rules that could prove a boon for jet-setting bankers and other business-class regulars.

The Department of Transport said on 24 November that the rules will be relaxed from 15 December for anyone coming into England via plane, ferry or train. The seven-day rule will apply if travellers test negative for coronavirus after their first five days in quarantine.