What is the green watch list?
THE LATEST review of the green list of the UK's traffic travel light system saw popular holiday hotspots being added. But despite the addition of popular destinations such as the Balearic islands, Malta and Madeira, The Transport Secretary has warned almost all the new green list countries are on the brink of turning amber again. Grant Shapps admitted that the majority of the countries that were added to the UK's list are now on the green "watch list" as their "marginal" figures could soon cause them to be downgraded. Mr Shapps said sun-starved Brits should be aware that "things might change quickly" and make sure they have full insurance before booking a trip abroad. And he suggested only those who have "flexibility" in their summer plans should go ahead and plan a foreign holiday this summer. Pressed on whether the others could quickly turn amber again, he said: "Of course we'll try not to do that. Malta is the only country that is not on the watch list  "Hopefully, we'll be able to get through to the next review in three weeks' time before meeting to make any of those decisions. "But be aware we can see that the situation is fast changing, we want to alert people. There are some concerns in these particular locations. "And therefore be aware that when you book things may have to change, they may have to change at short notice." Currently, of the 16 new green countries, Malta is the only one that is not on the "watch list", due to its low daily Covid case rate and high vaccinations. This means that 15 countries that were added to the green list are also at risk of being downgraded. When the government announced the traffic light travel system, it confirmed that a review would take place every three weeks. The first review was on June 3 and the next one followed on June 24. Therefore the next update is expected on July 15, 2021, with the changes coming into effect the following Wednesday. Most read in News Travel BORDER CONTROL Malta to only let FULLY jabbed Brits in without quarantine EU TOO?! Hols at risk as Macron supports Merkel's call for co-ordinated travel restrictions HOL HOPES ALL the amber & green list holiday spots that could open as early as July 19 VAC 'N' GO Fully vaccinated Brits MUST be allowed to travel abroad, says Ryanair boss SAVE THE PENNES Italian seaside city is selling 1 holiday homes with panoramic sea views