British taxpayers might soon have to foot the bill for the cost of quarantining thousands of UK nationals returning to the UK from red-list destinations.
Most Covid restrictions are due to end on 19 July, however, planned changes to self-isolation rules are not expected until 16 August at the earliest. But many companies, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors, say their reopening plans are in disarray due to the number of staff having to isolate because they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid.
Amid this, the cost of quarantining Britons returning from red-list destinations could fall on the backs of UK taxpayers after the Government conceded to allow travels to "apply for a fee waiver or reduction on the grounds of financial hardship". Current nations on the Government's red-list include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Turkey.
Taxpayers in the UK might have to pay for British holiday-makers who cannot afford the £1,750 cost of the hotel quarantine bill, The Express reported. The lawyers who organised the legal challenge have argued that the one-size-fits-all payment system of £1,750 was unfair on poorer travellers. Arrivals have to pay £1,750 for their stay in a hotel, with additional costs of £650 for adults and £325 for children.
Commenting on this, Dr Sanjukta Ghosh, Historian at SOAS South Asia Institute told us, “While Boris Johnson relaxes quarantine rules for fully inoculated citizens/residents returning from mostly European amber countries, including business and leisure visits, the same does not apply for the growing red list countries. Despite the Sunak, Patel and Javid trio’s high-level political roles, and a large South Asian diaspora, Boris continues to safeguard public health policy without factoring in the needs and welfare of Britain's ethnic minorities. Many of us are unable to visit sick and dying relatives and friends due to strict emergency rules, and the unchanged mandatory quarantine policy costing a steep £1750 pounds for individuals and even more for families. It is politically hypocritical, unjust, and unfair to discriminate against India, for example, where vaccination is currently both rapid and effective.”
Last week, Heathrow's Terminal 5 saw long queues at security on Monday morning because of the absence of more than 100 staff. “The airport said the issue had arisen because the security staff were instructed to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace app.
Some passengers experienced lengthy queues from 06:00. Many complained that there was limited social distancing. It comes as the government faces calls to bring forward changes to Covid self-isolation rules.
