York resident 'faced rat-infested quarantine hotel'
York Central MP Rachael Maskell is demanding immediate safety measures, after one of her constituents had to be moved twice.
Last updated 5th Aug 2021
York Central MP Rachael Maskell is demanding better safety measures for people quarantining in hotels, after one of her constituents reportedly had a rat enter his room.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio York, Rachael said: "Last week my constituent was moved from a room in a quarantine hotel because he had a rat in his room; he was moved to a new room where last night in the early hours another rat came into his room.
"It's awful for my constituent - but when people are having to pay £1,750, having to quarantine for ten days, are locked up like prisoners where the accommodation clearly doesn't meet environmental health measures - we've got to ask what the Government is doing.
"They need to get a grip on this situation. For too long the Government have said it's someone else's problem and they've outsourced this contract of work to a company which then sends people into hotels who they contract with.
"As a result of this people like my constituent are having to suffer in really poor conditions; people describe it as being worse than prison. They're not allowed outside of their rooms without security guards accompanying them for only a few minutes each day to exercise.
"This is not the way to treat people as they enter the country, often dealing with bereavement and other issues. Thankfully today I've spoken to the local public health team who are on to it already, and I've contacted the Department of Health and said 'it's time to get on top of what's happening in these quarantine hotels'.
"So many constituents have written to me about the poor treatment that they have received, and I won't give up until Government makes sure that these places are safe and treat people with dignity".
The York Resident has been quarantining, along with Government guidelines following a flight into the UK on 24 July. He has stayed at the Mecure London Heathrow Hotel, but says the encounter with rats has left him feeling 'sick': "I am disgusted and shocked that such a health and safety hazard was allowed to take place in a government quarantine hotel which is costing me £1750.
"I feel sick knowing rats have been in my room while I've been in here. If this was any normal hotel the customer would be offered a full immediate refund. No one should have to pay £1750 to stay in a sub standard hotel for 10 days with a rat infestation.
"The staff here know this has been going on for months as the manager explained on the phone, yet people are still been allowed to stay here.
"It's appalling and truly reflects a government that doesn't care about it's own citizens health and safety. I hope the government will be able to offer a full refund and compensation to myself and other guests who have been badly affected by the rat infestation and the extremely poor customer service from CTM when trying to book the hotel in the first place.
"Once again this government have outsourced work to a private company that are not fit for purpose just for the sake of making maximum profit for themselves".
We reached out to the Department of Health and Social Care, and in a statement they have said: "Guests should raise any issues directly with the hotel in the first instance, and we expect them to do their utmost to address any concerns.
"Our top priority has always been protecting the public and the robust border and testing regime we have in place is helping minimise the risk of new variants coming into the UK.
"We do not comment on individual cases".
We've also reached out to the Mecure London Heathrow Hotel for a statement.