The UK government is set to introduce mandatory quarantine for international arrivals, with ministers divided on whether it should be imposed on all passengers or only those arriving from countries with new strains of Covid-19.
Boris Johnson has acknowledged that tougher border restrictions are required following concerns that new strains of Covid-19 could rapidly spread from international travellers. Travel bans have already been introduced for South Africa and Brazil.
Anyone travelling to the UK must currently test negative for Covid-19 72 hours prior to travel and then self-isolate at home for 10 days. The “test to release” scheme allows passengers to leave after five days if they test negative for coronavirus.
The prime minister is likely to agree to quarantine in a hotel, but no decision has been taken on whether this will be required for all arrivals or whether it will be decided on a country-by-country basis.
Travel industry insiders say government…
