By Ben Kerrigan-
Enforced quarantine and thermal screening at the border are being considered to prevent further spread of coronavirus, the Uk The Home Secretary told an online session of the home affairs select committee.
There has been much criticism about what has been viewed as a lax attitude to screening at Uk’s boarder amid fears that passengers coming from other infected countries could perpetuate the spread of the virus. Stringent measures taken by 130 other countries has raised questions as to why the Uk has not adopted similarly strict measures of screening at our boarders.
Priti Patel today said the UK’s approach was being informed by advice from the scientific advisory group for emergencies, adding that “everything is under review”. Patel re-iterated the “new norms” to observe and social distancing would be expected “in every single work area”. Responding to questions as to why the Uk has taken a less strict boarder approach to 130 countries like, including Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Italy, Singapore, Australia and Greece.
She said: “We are not similar to those countries, in terms of travellers and passenger flows. It’s a fact that the UK has one of the largest numbers of international arrivals, very different flows to some of the countries mentioned that is a key consideration of Sage.”
“It would be based on the science. It would also be based on any changes outside of this country. As easing with lockdown may take place with other countries and more people may choose to travel, choose to fly. We still have to think about he impact of a second wave.”
“Looking at the operational side of things, this isn’t something that can just come in overnight. We will have to think of the practical measures of this, how this would be delivered, which kind of ports of entry first and foremost, and how that would work on a practical basis. We rule nothing out”.
Screening at Uk boarders is largely considered to be essential unless there are good reasons to suggest they are unnecessary. However, for as long a the pandemic is not over, testing at Uk boarders will be considered necessary.
Labour MP Stephen Doughty, told the committee that the public would find the Home Office’s approach “absolutely baffling” after challenging her over the apparent shift in policy that ended the quarantining of passengers from specific regions such as Wuhan in China.