Sturgeon says Scotland will remain 'open and welcoming' under new quarantine rules

Nicola Sturgeon insists Scotland will remain an “open and welcoming country” as new quarantine rules come into force for international travellers arriving in the UK.

Those entering the UK from June 8 will need to self-isolate for two weeks following arrival.

The measure aims to prevent a second wave of the virus being introduced by travellers.

Under the restrictions, new arrivals will have to provide contact details and travel information to enable tracing in case of infection.

They could face random checks from public health authorities to ensure compliance.

In England, breaches would be punishable with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice, or prosecution with an unlimited fine.

As a devolved nation, Scotland can set out its own enforcement approach and the First Minister said discussions would be held with Police Scotland on how the policy will be implemented north of the border.

She said: “We are, in common with countries across the world, having to take unprecedented steps to deal with the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic brings.

“Scotland is an open and welcoming country and will remain so.

These temporary measures, taken as part of a four-nation public health approach, are required to help prevent the introduction of new chains of transmission of infection and a possible second wave at a time when we are starting to see our efforts to curb the virus having a positive impact.

“These steps are aimed at protecting those arriving in our country, as well as those who live here.

“They will be reviewed on a three weekly basis. We will discuss with key stakeholders, including Police Scotland, the practicalities of how this policy will be implemented in Scotland.”

The UK Government has published a list of exemptions to the quarantine rules, which includes people arriving from Ireland, medical staff tackling Covid-19 and seasonal agricultural workers.

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