Most people arriving in Britain from Monday will have to self-isolate for two weeks under a new coronavirus restriction that will apply those coming in by plane, ferry or train. The measure, which applies to both residents and visitors with some exceptions, aims to prevent a second wave of contagion from abroad. The aviation sector fears it will be hard hit, and British Airways and budget carriers EasyJet and Ryanair have launched joint legal proceedings against the government over what they called a “disproportionate and unfair” step. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the new rules made sense because “the proportion of infections that come from abroad increases” as Britain’s own caseload drops. Travellers will have to provide details of their journey and the address where they will self-isolate and will face fines of up to £1,000 if they do not follow the rules. Exemptions are being made in several cases – including for truck drivers, “essential” healthcare workers and people travelling from Ireland who have been there for at least two weeks. The government is pushing ahead with a gradual lockdown easing that will see retail reopen on 15 June, and restaurants and bars begin limited service in early July. Britain’s death toll stands at 40,625 according to Johns Hopkins university figures, trailing only that of the United States (110,514). Source
