Arrivals in UK airports and sea ports 'to enter enforced quarantine for two weeks'

One trade body said the quarantine period would have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry and wider economy
Ewan Somerville9 May 2020

All arrivals in Britain will be forced to quarantine for a fortnight in a bid to fight the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports.

The drastic self-isolation measure is said to apply to all travellers entering UK airports and sea ports, including Brits returning home from abroad, from early June.

Passengers will reportedly be required to provide their self-isolation address upon arrival.

The Times reported that authorities will enforce the quarantine with spot checks, fines of up to £1,000 and threat of deportation for flouters.

It is understood that lorry drivers bringing in goods will be exempt.

It marks a significant tightening of border curbs, with thousands of passengers allowed to enter with a temperature check or bypass any checks during the pandemic to date.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline the measure during his address to the nation on Sunday night, reports suggest.

It is not clear how long the unprecedented restriction would last, or how it will apply to non-UK residents without a permanent residence.

Airlines have called for clarity over the measure 
AFP via Getty Images

Airlines UK, which represents crippled carriers such as EasyJet and British Airways forced to ground most flights during the crisis, said it “needs to see the details” of the policy.

It said it had been told directly by the Government about the plan, adding they were informed that it will be in place by the end of the month or early June.

Karen Dee of the Airport Operators Association, on behalf of most UK airports, said the measure should be applied "on a selective basis following the science" and "the economic impact on key sectors should be mitigated".

She called for a "single international standard" that applies to airports and airlines worldwide.

She said: “Quarantine would not only have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry, but also on the wider economy.

“If quarantine is a necessary tool for fighting Covid-19, then the Government should act decisively to protect the hundreds of thousands of airport-related and travel-related jobs across the UK.

“These measures should include granting immediate business rates relief to airports and related service providers as well as relief from Civil Aviation Authority charges for the whole aviation sector.”

The ISU union – which represents borders, immigration and customs staff – called for clarity on the plans.

ISU professional officer Lucy Moreton said there is a discrepancy about whether it will apply to airline passengers only or whether it will also include people arriving by boat.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said: “What are we going to do with the irregular migrants who don’t have a private house to self-isolate in?”

Seemingly frustrated about no concrete information, she added: “I’m hoping someone will get round to telling the staff at some point.”

Aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst is expected to clarify the policy in a conference call on Saturday morning with aviation chiefs, according to the BBC.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We do not comment on leaks. The focus remains on staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives."

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