New rules requiring all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days have come into effect.
Those arriving by plane, ferry or train – including UK nationals – must give an address where they will self-isolate. Rule breakers will be fined.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the laws were designed “to prevent a second wave” of coronavirus.
What are the new quarantine rules?
Passengers arriving in the UK by plane, ferry or train – including UK nationals – will be asked to provide an address where they will self-isolate for 14 days. Travellers can be fined £100 for failing to fill in a form with these details.
Surprise visits will be used to check they are following the rules. Those in England could be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate.
Passengers should drive their own car to their destination, where possible. If they don’t provide an address, the government will arrange accommodation at the traveller’s expense.
Once at their destination they must not use public transport or taxis. They must not go to work, school, or public areas, or have visitors except for essential support.
They are also not allowed to go out to buy food, or other essentials, where they can rely on others.
Employers should agree future working arrangements with staff before they travel overseas.
Employees who can’t work from home are eligible for statutory sick pay if they meet the required conditions.
Who is exempt from quarantine?
There are a number of groups who are exempt, including:
- Road haulage and freight workers
- Medical and care professionals providing essential healthcare
- Those arriving for pre-arranged medical treatment
- Passengers in transit , if they do not pass through border control
- Seasonal agricultural workers if they self-isolate where they are working
- UK residents who ordinarily travel overseas at least once a week for work
