Turkey and Poland added to Scotland’s quarantine list

Travellers from Turkey, Poland and the Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will now have to quarantine upon arrival in Scotland.

The Scottish Government said the move followed significant increases in coronavirus cases in these countries.

It means travellers are required to self-isolate at home, or another specified address, for 14 days from 4am on Saturday.

Poland has reported 25.9 new cases per 100,000 people, increasing from 15.6 in the week prior.

Meanwhile, travellers from Turkey are being required to quarantine because the Scottish Government said “it is clear that case numbers in Turkey have been under-reported''.

But there was good news for anyone arriving in Scotland from Madeira and Azores from 4am on Saturday, after they were added to the exempt list, bringing Scotland into line with other UK nations.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Although we are lifting quarantine restrictions on those travelling from the Azores or Madeira, in line with the public health data we have received, people should think long and hard before choosing to travel abroad, particularly during the forthcoming October break.

“At present all foreign travel carries a risk. Quarantine requirements could be imposed on those arriving on holiday abroad, just as we may make the decision to impose the same in Scotland.

“People should think very hard before committing to non-essential foreign travel.

“Imposing quarantine restrictions on those arriving in the UK is our first defence in managing the risk of importing cases from communities with high risks of transmission. This is vital in our efforts to suppress the spread of the virus in Scotland.

“We continue to be in regular discussions with the other three governments in the UK.''

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• coronavirus
• quarantine