Boris Johnson unveils new border restrictions for travellers from certain ‘red list’ countries
Boris Johnson has unveiled new border restrictions for passengers travelling from certain “red list” countries into the UK.
The Prime Minister announced new measures to combat more dangerous strains of the virus coming into Britain, as well the number of people coming from high risk countries.
But first minister nicola sturgeon has called for a “comprehensive system of supervised quarantine” for travellers arriving in the UK, as she said Mr john son’ s current plan does not go far enough.
Making a statement in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: “I want to make clear that under the stay at home regulations, it is illegal to leave home to travel abroad for leisure purposes and we will enforce this at ports and airports by asking people why they are leaving and instructing them to return home if they do not have a valid reason to travel.
“We have also banned all travel from 22 countries where there is a risk of known variants, including South Africa, Portugal and South American nations.
“And in order to reduce the risk posed by UK nationals and residents returning home from these countries, i can announce that we will require all such arrivals who cannot be refused entry to isolate in government provided accommodation, such as hotels, for ten days without exception.
“They will be met at the airport and transported directly into quarantine. The Department of Health and Social Care is working to establish these facilities as quickly as possible .”
Passengers returning from the “red-list countries” will face strict isolation rules and be forced to pay around £1,500 for a ten-day stay in a hotel.
Under the new rules, travellers will be met at the airport and transported directly into quarantine, while those hoping to travel will have to apply to do so first.
However, following a call with members of theuk, welsh, and Northern Irish governments about the plan, Ms Sturgeon criticised the “minimal” proposals.
She said they left“far too many weak points and gaps” for Covid-19 and any variants of the virus to enter the country.
“I think I do have a duty at this point to say th a ti am concerned that the proposal does not go far enough,” she said.