While travellers wait for the next government update to the red, amber and green travel lists, many are beginning to speculate where countries will fall in the coming reshuffle - particularly those who will be abroad when the announcement is made.
Most of the popular European holiday hotspots are in the lukewarm waters of the amber list, which signifies that the coronavirus situation is neither dismal nor superb.
The crisp white beaches and turquoise waters of Greece, including the Greek islands, are currently on the amber list, alongside the likes of France and Portugal, with the exception of Madeira, which is on the green list.
Read more: Travel list updates: Latest as green, red and amber lists set for changes
Fully vaccinated Brits are currently exempt from quarantine on their return from amber list destinations, whereas those who have only received one dose, or none, must isolate for ten days.
The reviews to the traffic travel system typically take place every three weeks, with announcements often made on a Wednesday or Thursday.
The last update came on Thursday, August 5, therefore the next announcement, which will be made shortly before pupils return to schools, is likely to come on Wednesday, August 25 or Thursday, August 26.
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Is Greece likely to go on the red list?
The coronavirus cases in Greece have risen since restrictions were eased in early May and now sit at around 2,000 to 4,000 new cases per day.
The highest concentration of new infections are in Athens and Thessaloniki.
In the latest figures from Greece’s national public health body, EODY, they registered 1,888 new coronavirus infections, 17 Covid-19 deaths and 241 patients in intubation on Sunday (August 15).
The response to infections on the Greek islands appears to be swift - Mykonos implemented a curfew in July after a number of cases, while Zante and two cities in Crete were placed under a brief lockdown due to a spike in cases this month, according to national media.
Around 50 percent of the country’s almost 11 million population has been fully vaccinated.
The Greek tourism industry has started to take on an air of normality, with socially distanced, open-air cultural entertainment as well as open beaches, bars and restaurants.
However, there is reported concern in the country that the return of travellers will spark another wave of the pandemic.
Greece recorded its first death of a fully vaccinated person from the coronavirus this weekend, according to the director of an intensive care unit at Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou hospital.
The total death toll since the beginning of the pandemic has reached 13,223, of which, 95.2 percent reportedly had an underlying disease and/or were over 70-years-old.
The decision to scrap the amber-plus list ultimately means it is hard to discern whether countries will move from amber to red - the best policy is to check government and local advice before travelling and purchase good travel insurance with Covid cover that is appropriate for the destination you’re visiting.
Are you planning a trip abroad? Have you made it on holiday this year? Let us know in the comments below:
