Covid fear of travel agent in quarantine
AN international travel agent staying at a quarantine hotel said he fears catching Covid-19 from fellow passengers and would prefer to wear an electronic tag and self-isolate at home.
Anthony Pium, 30, has to spend 10 days confined with 500 others at the Radisson Blu Heathrow hotel after a business trip to Brazil.
He has tested negative for Covid three times, and now believes it would be safer for him and others with a UK home to isolate there with random checks or even an electronic tag.
He has branded it “crazy” that passengers coming from “red list” countries were allowed to mix with others on a
connecting flight from Spain, who then did not have to face hotel quarantine.
The self-employed travel agent from Leyton in east London had been on a five-day business trip visiting hotels when suddenly all direct flights were cancelled in December.
Surviving on money borrowed from family, he eventually got a flight to Spain and then one to Heathrow on Wednesday evening.
On arrival, passengers who had visited high-risk countries were escorted to the hotel.
He said: “What makes no sense is they allowed us to catch a flight with other people and they let them go.
“On the connecting flight from Spain they were sat next to us.
“During my stay at the hotel I could catch Covid.”
THE pandemic is as much a mental health emergency as a physical health one. Over the past year some people have developed mental health problems for the first time, while many of those with existing problems have become more unwell.
Evidence from various sources paints a bleak picture of problems.
Our own research indicates the wellbeing of children and young people may have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
A Mind survey carried out during the initial lockdown found 75 per cent of young people aged 13-24 with an existing mental health problem reported worse mental health.
For most pupils, a return to school may mark a welcome step towards returning to normality but for others it will be a big adjustment, particularly for those with existing mental health problems.the Government must accelerate the rollout of mental health support teams in England and make good on its commitment for every school and college to have a designated mental health lead.
ROYAL Marines last night said they were disappointed at losing Prince Harry as their ceremonial head, but relieved to be able to move forward.
In October last year the Sunday Express revealed the 358-year-old corps had anticipated the
Duke of Sussex not returning to Britain this year and had informally begun the process of seeking Princewilliam to replace him.
On Friday it was announced Harry would lose his honorary military appointments and patronages, including his position as Captain General of the Marines.
One senior Royal Marines source said: “There is a palpable sense of relief at this official announcement, because we now finally know with certainty where things stand.
“The Duke of Sussex is a great chap and we are all disappointed he will not be coming back, but we must respect that, wish him well and move on.”
The pandemic gives breathing space for a decision to be made about Harry’s replacement, with important occasions such as the 77th anniversary of D-day and the Battle for Normandy not scheduled to take place.
The two favourites remain Princewilliam and Princess Anne, though royal insiders say that, with 15 military appointments, Anne is overloaded with duties and is seeking to wind down some of her tasks. Princewilliam holds four honorary military roles.
However, last night one senior serving Royal Marine NCO said of Harry: “I met him once and he seemed like a good bloke.to be honest I think he has made the wrong decision and will live to
regret what he has done.the corps gets into your head and I have seen loads of lads leave and then regret it and rejoin – I don’t think Harry will have that luxury.
“But he wants to focus on his family, so good on him.”
Harry was appointed Captain General in 2017, replacing his grandfather who had held the role for 64 years.
Maj Gen Julianthompson, inset, – the former head of 3 Commando Brigade who led land forces to retake the Falklands in 1982 – said: “The Duke of Sussex is a nice chap, he was one of them, he’d faced action and danger. But I understand the relief that this period of uncertainty is over.” He said being Captain General was more than a ceremonial role, and the title holder was expected to be deeply involved in Royal Marine affairs.
He said: “Prince Phillip perfectly exemplified how the role should be carried out.
“When HMS Fearless and Intrepid returned to Portsmouth after the
Falklands war Prince Philip,
Captain General at the time, was there. And it was he who gave permission for us to keep the Argentine guns we’d captured, when the Director Royal Artillery expressed fears they could be seen as looted.
“These were tantamount to colours and a terrific coup. This is the kind of dedication the Royal Marines deserve.” Harry will also relinquish roles as honorary commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-chief of the Royal Navy’s Small Ships and Diving, but will be allowed to continue to use his ranks if he clarifies that he is retired.
Dean Stott, a former Special Forces soldier who befriended Harry, said: “These are the consequences of him stepping back.
“This difficult decision wasn’t taken lightly last year and he was fully aware of the consequences. He had 12 months with the door open and he didn’t take it. It’s not a shock to him.
“But there are still plenty of opportunities for him – he’s still going to be involved in the military community.
“There are many positives we can take from them, especially their love of philanthropy.
“Being in the royal spotlight means a lot of protocol.their decision to step back gives them more opportunity and freedom to do more and help more.”
Historian Robert Lacey said the decision would allow the healing to begin.
He said: “This is a great and positive step forward.
“Charles has always been a great believer in Meghan.
“Now this is the beginning of us seeingwilliam and Harry getting back together this year.”