HEADING TO SPAIN? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Two weeks’ ago, British holidaymakers were able to head to Spain without any restrictions as part of the government’s travel corridors scheme. But… as soon as the ink had dried on my article about where we could go on holiday, I had to go back into the feature and move Spain from green (for go, go, go) to amber (for proceed with caution).

The caution in this instance is that British holidaymakers heading to, or returning from, Spain after 26 July must now self-isolate at home for 14 days on return. But what does it all really mean? Here’s the low-down on Spain’s continually moving beast:

Why now?

Spain is experiencing a rise in cases which has made the UK government twitchy about British visitors bringing the virus home. Not only has it introduced quarantining but the FCO has changed its advice to “all but essential travel” to the mainland, as well as The Canary and Balearic Islands. The rules also apply to passengers from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

What if I refuse to quarantine?

All arrivals from Spain must provide an address at the airport of where they will be quarantining
- anybody refusing to complete this form will immediately be charged £100. One in five passengers will then be contacted to check that they are complying; those breaking curfew will be liable for a £1,000 fine (£480 in Scotland). Persistent offenders could being charged up to £5,000. Ouch.

What does self-isolation actually look like?

Self-isolators must not go to work or school, use public transport or receive visitors in their homes. They should also avoid going to the supermarket if they can arrange for somebody else to do it for them, or use an online delivery service.

What about my job?

If you headed to Spain before 26 July, your boss may well be expecting you back at your desk soon. Sadly, this ain’t gonna happen, and, despite calls for the government to introduce statutory sick pay for employees in this situation, this can only be enforced if a person is displaying symptoms. Medical and care professionals, freight workers and farmers - so long as they are able to quarantine where they work - are the only passengers exempt from quarantine.

Why not use testing instead?

Officials at Heathrow Airport have asked why testing can’t replace quarantining, with arrivals tested at the airport and then again a number of days later. They would need to self-isolate between tests but this could reduce the quarantine period from 14 days to seven (officials are pushing for five). The government is believed to be looking at the logistics of mass airport testing to see if this could work; with each test costing in the region of £150 per person, however, this could be a very bitter pill to swallow indeed.

What now?

Spain will keep an eye on its numbers; Britain will watch and wait. As with everything with this pesky virus, the situation changes daily - keep your eyes peeled (and your eyeballs crossed) that we will be able to head to bonita Spain without restriction soon. Por Favor Boris… Por Favor.