UK 'to bring in 14-day quarantine for air passengers'

[flash13]

UK 'to bring in 14-day quarantine for air passengers'

UK airlines say they have been told the government will bring in a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the UK from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland in response to the

coronavirus pandemic.

The new restriction is expected to take effect at the end of this month.

 

Industry body Airlines UK said the policy needed "a credible exit plan" and should be reviewed weekly.

 

People arriving in the UK would have to self-isolate at a private residence.

 

Government and aviation sources told BBC News that the quarantine would mean people might be expected to provide an address at the border.

 

It is not clear how long the new travel restriction would be in place and whether non-UK residents would be allowed to stay in rented private accommodation.

 

"We need to see the details of what they are proposing", said Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, EasyJet and other UK-based airlines, in a statement.

 

Aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst is expected to clarify the policy to airline and airport representatives in a conference call scheduled for Saturday morning.

 

UK airports suggested that a quarantine "would not only have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry, but also on the wider economy".

 

Karen Dee from the Airport Operators Association, which represents 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".

 

BBC News understands that key workers such as lorry drivers who transport goods and people working in the shipping industry would be exempt.

 

Last Sunday, Andrew Marr asked the transport secretary whether the UK would introduce a quarantine on people arriving in the UK.

 

Grant Shapps said he was "actively looking at these issues, right now, so that when we have infection rates within the country under control we're not importing".

 

He said it was important "that we do ensure that the sacrifices, in a sense, social distancing, that we're asking the British people to make are matched by anyone who comes to this country".

 

 

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."

 

If a quarantine is needed now, some will question why it was not necessary weeks ago.

 

Tens of thousands of people have flown into the UK during the pandemic, although the government says the vast majority were returning home.

 

Source

[Karlston]

That's a key move. Otherwise a single airline passenger could undo all the work populations and economies have done to bring it under control.

[dufus]

better late than never 

[flash13]

2 hours ago, dufus said:

better late than never 

You are right but

 

Never late is better

[zanderthunder]

Way back from March last year, my country has imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for any Malaysians returning home.

 

As for foreigners, all will be barred from entering Malaysia, except:

• those with diplomatic passports
• holders of Permanent Resident and dependents of Long Term Pass
• an "expatriate in an essential service."

But still, they will be subjected under mandatory 14-day quarantine.

 

The quarantine centers, will be determined by the government.

 

They will be required to declare their health condition truthfully (making false declaration is a heavy crime in Malaysia, so they have to be very honest). This is important as the majority of death cases of COVID19 patients in Malaysia are related to chronic health issues (such as heart disease, etc.) and old age factor.

Swabs will be taken at least 2 times, one before they will be placed for mandatory quarantine and another before mandatory quarantine period is over. Any positive detection, they will straightly sent to hospitals for treatment. The only way to be released from quarantine center is to have negative detection during the 14-day window period.

 

This order applies nationwide, and applies either travelling by land, sea or air.

Foreigners stranded due to Movement Control Order can leave Malaysia or remain in Malaysia (subject to their respective country's repatriation rule, they will need to coordinate with their respective country embassies in Malaysia).