UK to impose around 14 on international travelers

Text by: Muriel Delcroix Follow

The United Kingdom will impose from June 8 14 days of strict quarantine on all travelers from abroad to limit the spread of the coronavirus. All passengers arriving by plane, ferry or Eurostar must have completed a form indicating their place of residence during their isolation. But this measure is causing a lively debate in the country.

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With our correspondence in London,

The government defends this controversial fortnight assuring that it is intended to avoid a "  devastating second peak  " and promises that it will be re-examined every three weeks. The British will be able to isolate themselves at their home, the visitors will have to make their arrangements or stay at their expense in a place proposed by the government.

In addition, these travelers must go to their place of confinement by private transport and not use public transport or a taxi. The authorities will carry out random checks with fines of 1,000 pounds or even expulsion from the country for offenders, said Interior Minister Priti Patel.

Exemptions are provided in particular for road transporters, nursing staff or seasonal agricultural workers as well as passengers arriving from Ireland and the small Channel Islands. On the other hand, no exception is currently provided for travelers arriving from France, contrary to what the two countries had suggested.

But these measures cause a lot of turmoil: some ask why this fortnight was not implemented earlier. Conversely, those responsible for the aviation and tourism sector are furious. They warn that this measure will only worsen their situation and above all believe that it will be impossible to make everyone respect this quarantine.

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