Now put this f lawed idea into quarantine

aNXIEtY levels are tumbling for the first time since the draconian lockdown was imposed in March, say scientists.

Perhaps buoyed by scorching weather, Britain’s restriction-weary populace is dreaming of continental summer holidays.

If so, they’re in for a rude awakening. Ministers show no sign of ripping up perverse rules to compulsorily quarantine arrivals – both foreigners and UK nationals – for 14 days from Monday.

Only a masochist would travel overseas, knowing they faced a fortnight’s house arrest on return. Even for a government accruing a reputation for policy-making on the hoof, this proposal is headscratchingly ill-judged.

Our shattered economy needs coaxing from hibernation. this will wreck our tourism and aviation industries as well as harming the City. By pulling up the drawbridge, the UK is putting itself at a competitive disadvantage – just as Europe begins reopening for business.

little wonder tory MPs are in open revolt. It speaks volumes when serially loyal theresa May feels sufficiently concerned about the damage to urge caution.

Everyone can understand the anxiety to avoid importing coronavirus cases. and it was encouraging to hear Boris Johnson confirm that ‘air bridges’ to countries with low infection are on the cards. But the quarantine is too little too late. It should have been introduced when the virus was tearing across Europe – not now.

the rules are confused, the public health benefits negligible and the system difficult to enforce. Ministers are in danger of inflicting additional damage on Britain by using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.