Northern Ireland

No quarantine fines issued by PSNI

The PSNI has issued no fines to travellers forced into quarantine
The PSNI has issued no fines to travellers forced into quarantine The PSNI has issued no fines to travellers forced into quarantine

No fines have been issued by the PSNI to anyone forced to follow strict Covid-19 quarantine rules for international travellers.

Tough regulations imposed on people travelling into the north from some destinations include a requirement to self isolate for 14 days.

Those who break isolation rules could face a fine of up to £1,000.

At the weekend travellers to and from Spain, a popular holiday destination, were given short notice that they too will have to self isolate when they return home.

Last night the PSNI confirmed that to date “no fines or cautions have been issued in relation to quarantine”.

A PSNI spokesman added that the “police role is to respond to reports from the UK Border Force or any of their associated partners of potential breaches”.

Travellers are expected to fill out a contact declaration form providing details of their journey, contact details and the address where they intend to self-isolate.

The form can be filled out 48 hours before the person is expected to travel and must be presented on arrival home.

Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy at The Consumer Council, warned people to think carefully before travelling.

“Holidaymakers need to cautious about booking future travel abroad,” he said.

"The FCOs (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) recent change in travel advice has shown that things can change rapidly.

“Passengers need to think what will happen to them, or their money, if they cannot, or do not want to travel.”

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin economy spokeswoman Caoimhe Archibald has said that workers and employers need to be provided with clear information after Spain was added to the quarantine list.

"Employers and workers need clear guidance so they can plan any travel and the return to work accordingly, some people will be able to work from home during the quarantine period, however, for others that will not be possible.

“I would call on the economy minister to bring forward clear advice for employers and workers.”