Spain quarantine: 'No travel is risk free' during coronavirus pandemic, No 10 warns

Downing Street has warned that “no travel is risk-free” during the coronavirus pandemic, as the prime minister’s official spokesman confirmed that other countries could follow Spain in seeing the reimposition of quarantines.

Britons considering holidays abroad should keep a close eye on official guidance on countries exempt from the requirement for a 14-day period of self-isolation on return, but this could be changed “rapidly” in order to prevent the renewed spread of Covid-19 to the UK from hotspots overseas, said Boris Johnson’s spokesman.

He confirmed that ministers - including transport secretary Grant Shapps, who is currently in Spain - will be subject to the same restrictions as others, and confirmed that so far only three £100 fixed penalty notices have been issued at UK borders for breaches of quarantine rules. The National Police Chiefs Council today said forces have issued just one fine for failing to comply with a quarantine after returning home.

The PMs spokesman said the government was not planning to provide statutory sick pay to those forced to suspend work due to quarantine on return from overseas.

Anyone who is not supported by their employer during the 14-day enforced stay at home after their holidays can apply for welfare benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, he said.

Asked what the government’s advice would be to anyone considering a trip abroad to one of the countries on which quarantine was lifted earlier this month, Mr Johnson’s spokesman told a Westminster media briefing: “No travel is risk-free and disruption is possible and anyone travelling abroad should be aware that our travel advice and exemption list is under constant review.”