‘Brexit + Covid-19 = super-spreader port’
HOLYHEAD COULD BE VIRUS HOT SPOT, WARNS PROFESSOR
AHEALTH professor claims Holyhead could become a “superspreader” location if the port is hit with delays once the Brexit transition period ends.
Border checks start from January 1 as the UK departs from the EU with huge concerns about how prepared governments and businesses are for the new arrangements.
There are predictions that it will lead to substantial delays at ports like Holyhead.
Nick Bosanquet, professor of Health Policy at Imperial College, London, said with truckers and other passengers left hanging around in holding sites for hours the sites could become Covid hotspots.
He fears this could have serious repercussions with lorry drivers then heading across the UK and the rest of Europe.
His concerns have been taken up by Senedd member Rhun ap Iorwerth who has also been pressing Stena Line over a lack of passenger temperature checking.
Seven ferry staff on Stena Horizon recently tested positive for Covid-19.
But Stena said that if people adhere to Covid-19 protocols and maintain social distancing, and do not engage in close contact, then there should not be an issue.
The UK Government said they were investing £705m in technology, staffing and infrastructure, including inland sites, to limit delays and disruption.
Prof Bosanquet said: “Substantial delays would see drivers waiting long periods at port sites and holding areas near ports and that comes with a big risk of Covid transmission.
“Ports could become super-spreader sites and Holyhead is one site where there are real concerns.
“There would be drivers from different areas and different countries mixing. They then go around the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and the rest of Europe.
“The other concern is that drivers are highly skilled and not easily replaceable if they are unwell.”
Under the current plan customs checks on goods coming into Holyhead from Dublin will be done at inland sites at Warrington and Birmingham until a new site is built nearer the port.
Lorries sailing from Holyhead will have customs checks in Dublin but will be required to have the correct paperwork when leaving the island port. Those not able to provide it will be sent away from the port to sites like Roadking at Parc Cybi to get their papers in order.
The professor, who said he had a strong affection for North Wales due to his dad’s near 30 year career in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, added: “The paperwork is complicated and this will lead to delays. It could bring this crisis home to Anglesey.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “It’s clear following this most recent outbreak that transmission on ships is a risk, so everything possible has to be done to minimise that risk. “Ship operators and Government need to act now to firm up guidance on Covid checks for passengers.
“As the UK’s second largest roll on, roll off port, we’re talking about a hugely significant number of passengers passing through daily – mostly long distance lorry drivers, and we need an assurance that safety measures are robust enough to keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of the virus.”
A Stena Line spokesman said: “We have been operating 24/7 throughout the pandemic without any evidence that truckers are any more of risk than other travellers and it seems unfair to focus on them like this.
“Companies have been stockpiling, so this should reduce pressure after Brexit.
“But if there are queues then truckers will be in their own vehicles.
“Truckers check in from the cab of their vehicle and do not leave it until they board the ferry.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Ports are already Covid secure and have been at the frontline of the response to Covid since March.
“We are investing £705m in technology, staffing and infrastructure, including inland sites away from ports, providing significant support for traders and hauliers to limit potential delays and disruption in the first place, and putting in place measures to prevent a build-up of freight at the busiest crossings.
“All of our plans will advice and guidance.” follow Covid