‘Complete nonsense’: Ryanair boss urges vaccinated passengers ‘turn off’ NHS tracing app

NHS COVID-19: Michael O'Leary says to delete the app

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Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has described the NHS track and trace app as “complete nonsense” with more than one million Britons expected to be self-isolating as a result of being “pinged” by track and trace. The airline boss has warned the app could cause ongoing “disruption” for airlines and passengers.

Speaking on Sky News, the travel boss called for fewer restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated.

He said: “We don’t need that type of caution when 60 percent of the adult population have been vaccinated.

“I would switch off the app, I don’t think it has any effect anymore.”

Currently, the track and trace app sends out a “ping” to people who have been in the vicinity of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes.

According to the NHS, “If you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app self-isolate immediately.”

This self-isolation period is expected to last from the day of contact with a COVID-19 positive result, for the next 10 full days.

However, Mr O’Leary suggested double jabbed people should not face these restrictions.

“You’re pinging people, many of whom are double jabbed,” he said.

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“60 percent of the adults in the UK are fully vaccinated.

“We see at the airport, particularly with the handling companies, some of our cabin crew getting pinged.

“It’s very difficult not to arrive at an airport like Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick and not be close to someone who may have it.

“So, there’s apps pinging all over the place.”

Instead, Mr O’Leary said the nation has “to get back to some normality”.

“This is the whole nonsense of zero covid,” he continued.

“People get the flu every year. There will be some people but the numbers are tiny for the people who are double jabbed who can get Covid.

“And as the health secretary demonstrates, they don’t get a serious dose of Covid, they don’t end up in hospital and they’re not at risk of dying.

“I think that’s the evidence war looking for as we unwind these restrictions. We need some common sense.”

Part of this common sense, says Mr O’Leary, is the continued use of face masks on board public transport and in transport hubs.

“I still think where transport is involved thee should be more mask-wearing,” he said.

“I think it was irresponsible to say that everybody can dispense of their masks.

“I think that most people will still want to wear masks and I think that is sensible and responsible.”

Ryanair maintains that passengers must wear a face mask when onboard aircraft and at airports.

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