From today (15 February) all arrivals at English ports will be required to undertake two mandatory Covid-19 tests – on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day quarantine.

Those who have been to a ‘red list’ country are now required to purchase a ‘quarantine package’ covering hotel and testing at a maximum cost of £1,750.

When announced last week 16 hotels been contracted so far for an initial 4,600 rooms.  Accommodation is not seen as a problem.

To ensure compliance, the Government says fines will be issued and will range from £5,000 rising to £10,000 for arrivals who fail to quarantine in a designated hotel. A £1,000 penalty will also be given to any international arrival who fails to take a mandatory test, followed by a £2,000 penalty to any international arrival who fails to take the second mandatory test. This will be accompanied by an automatic extension of the quarantine period to 14 days and a possible 10-year prison sentence as a deterrent.

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said:  “Our fight against this virus has many fronts and, just as we’re attacking this virus through our vaccination programme, which is protecting more people every day, we’re strengthening our defences through these vital measures.”

www.gov.uk/government/news