Managed quarantine required to keep Covid variants out of the country, says Aberdeen MP
Stephen Flynn told Northsound he welcomes changes announced to international borders last week, but feels a further step towards 'New Zealand style' enforcement is required to fight off Coronavirus.
Last updated 18th Jan 2021
Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn has told Northsound this morning that the UK should build on the decision to 'close all travel corridors' by introducing managed quarantine.
From 4am this morning passengers flying into the country are now required to produce a negative Covid test.
Passengers must then isolate for ten days, although this can be cut short to just five days if another negative test is produced.
These rules were already set to come in, but Friday's announcement toughened them by preventing any exempt countries.
The Government hope it will prevent further variants of Covid entering the country.
SNP Stephen Flynn says he would like to see more done to enforce the isolation period of arrival.
Right now it's up to the individual to isolate, but Flynn has suggested a method similar to New Zealand in which there would be 'managed quarantine', buildings used for the purpose of quarantine with travelers required to attend.
Mr Flynn said:
"The best way we can protect ourselves is to replicate the likes of New Zealand - who of course are at this moment in time are effectively back to normal - by introducing managed quarantine."
"So that when travelers do come into the UK they have to go to a set location and see out their quarantine, it's not done in good faith, it's not done with the threat of a fine, it's done because it has to be done."
"I think at this moment in time that's the best way to protect ourselves in the short and the medium term, to make sure life at home gets back to normal as quickly as possible."