Government set to unveil full UK quarantine measures

Transport secretary Grant Shapps earlier this week touted an "air bridge" regime, allowing those travelling to the UK from countries with lower rates of coronavirus infection to forego any quarantine requirements.

However, a spokesperson for the prime minister confirmed air bridges were an option under consideration, "but were not agreed government policy". The concept is not expected to form part of the government’s initial quarantine announcement.

Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News on Friday (22 May) there were "no plans" for air bridges at the moment.

The UK’s quarantine measures will be reviewed on a three-week basis. They will apply to anyone arriving in the UK by air, sea or rail, who will be required to provide an address where they will serve their self-isolation. The government will otherwise arrange accommodation.

Airlines have been highly critical of quarantine measures across Europe, with Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary branding them "unimplementable".

Carriers are in favour of more stringent health measures, such as pre-flight temperature checks, social distancing, increased sanitation and contact tracing, rather than quarantines.