Two-week quarantine will paralyze us, aviation industry warns Boris Johnson | World News

A two-week quarantine period for all travelers arriving in Britain risks devastating an aviation industry already paralyzed by the Covid-19 outbreak, Boris Johnson is warned.

It is understood that the Prime Minister will announce the 14-day quarantine period, along with a slight loosening of the blocking measures that were introduced to curb the spread of the virus. The massive quarantine on arrival has not previously been used as part of Britain’s response.

The measure is expected to be introduced in a few weeks and to be imposed on everyone except those from Ireland. Passengers will have to provide an address for immediate self-isolation. Fines and deportation will be among the possible penalties for violating the rules.

There was an immediate alarm from some sectors of the aviation sector, warning that the effect of the measures would not be limited to airlines. “The quarantine would not only have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry, but also on the economy as a whole,” said Karen Dee, executive director of the Association of Airport Operators (AOA). “If the government believes quarantine is medically necessary, then it must be applied selectively following science, there must be a clear exit strategy, and the economic impact in key sectors must be mitigated.

“The government should commit to a weekly review of the quarantine measures and publish the evidence that informs the outcome of the review.”

He asked that any plan be accompanied by help for the industry and its workers.

Others in the industry demand to see the details and science that informed the move. A spokesperson for Airlines UK said: “We need to see the details of what they are proposing. We will ask for assurances that this decision has been led by science and that the government has a credible exit plan, with weekly reviews to ensure that the restrictions work and are still necessary. “

The heads of Belfast International Airport has already written to the government asking for clarification. They said they had not been consulted about the plans. A spokeswoman said: “We have written to the government asking for clarification and describing the serious effect this would have not only on our business but also, and more importantly, on the economy of Northern Ireland.”

Gatwick Airport said the impact on the industry meant a sector-specific extension of the job retention scheme, which allows companies to suspend staff while the state pays 80% of their wages. Relief from trade fees and exemption from regulatory fees are also required.