SWIFT ACTION
Dominic Raab says 14-day quarantine from Spain ‘absolutely necessary’ to avoid huge virus spike in UK & second lockdown
A 14-DAY quarantine for travellers coming back from Spain was "absolutely necessary" to avoid huge spikes in the virus in the UK and possibly a second lockdown, Dominic Raab said today.
The Foreign Secretary stressed that the Government acted as "swiftly as we could" to take decisive action to protect the virus from spreading back in the country again - and refused to apologise for the decision.
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Speaking to Sky's Sophy Ridge this morning he admitted it would be "disruptive" for thousands of people currently in Spain who will have to isolate when they get back.
Last night the Government changed its travel advice for Spain after a hge surge in cases was reported.
Anyone who arrived back after midnight last night will have to stay home for two weeks to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Mr Raab said this morning: "The [number of] cases in Spain we got was on the Friday.
"It showed a big jump right across mainland Spain.
"That was then assessed yesterday afternoon - we took the decision as quickly as we could.
"And we can't make apologies for doing so.
"We must take action or we risk potentially a second wave here and another lockdown.
"It's disruptive for those going through it at the moment, but we must be able to take swift decisive action to prevent the virus retaking hold in the UK."
However, cases were already shooting up last Monday - and The Sun warned Brits faced quarantine days ago.
He urged anyone in Spain or considering going to contact their travel insurance provider and find out what to do.
And he stressed that employers should be "flexible" if an employee has to stay home and quarantine for 2 weeks when they return from a break.
But people can be put on statutory sick pay rather than be given full pay.
Mr Raab said: "Employers have got to follow the law and I don’t think you can be laying people off or take penalties against people."
He said that the fact Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was in Spain and would have to isolate on his return too "shows you the risks for everyone".
Mr Shapps held a video call with UK airlines and our ambassador in Madrid tonight to plan how to get Brits home.
He said there would be "close coordination to help UK nationals return from Spain" adding: "We will all need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival."
Quarantine: your questions answered
What happens when anybody arrives from Spain?
Travellers returning to the UK from Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands and Balearics will have to fill out a form declaring where they will be for the next 14 days and stay put.
What if I refuse to give my address or break quarantine?
Fines start at £100 for failing to fill in the form in England. Breaching the self-isolation will result in a £1,000 penalty for UK citizens or possible deportation for foreign nationals.
Is anyone exempt from quarantine?
Foreign diplomats and those who travel regularly to and from the UK, such as lorry drivers and medical workers, are not covered by the rules. Elite sports such as Formula One and Champions League footballers are also exempt, providing they create "bubbles".
What happens if I have to be back at work the next day?
It is up to your employer to grant you time off. Before last night there was no automatic compensation for people who miss work or lose business due to quarantine.
Are all parts of Spain on the 'don't travel' black list?
Separately, the Foreign Office says to avoid all but essential travel to mainland Spain, but this does not extend to the Canary Islands and Balerarics. However, holidaymakers in all parts of Spain including the islands WILL have to quarantine when they return.
Why is this necessary?
A fresh outbreak of the virus in Spain has increased the risk of tourists spreading the infection in the UK. The Government says the measures are backed by science and will help prevent a second wave imported from abroad.
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