IATA Head on Quarantine Restriction Policies

Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has spoken of his concern over what he believes is the increasing politicization of quarantine restrictions. As City A.M. reports, his remarks come just a few days after the French government revealed that all incoming British visitors would have to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entering the country.

Tit-For-Tat Restrictions “Unacceptable”

France’s restrictions were enacted in response to Britain’s likewise similar decision to quarantine all incoming travelers.

Speaking during a media briefing on the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, de Juniac made a particular point of addressing the topic, saying that he was concerned by the developments among certain governments.

“In response to the UK government’s announced 14-day quarantine measures for all arrivals, France announced that it would do the same for arrivals from the UK. Measures must be guided by science, not politics. And tit-for-tat quarantine measures are, frankly, unacceptable,” de Juniac said, commenting specifically on the situation between France and Britain.

“Last week we outlined principles that our Board of Governors has committed to for the recovery. Health and safety are at the top of the list. And this is followed by support for scientifically based measures. If governments do not have the confidence to open their borders without imposing onerous quarantine measures, then we need to work with them to understand what scientifically supported measures will give them that confidence,” he added.

Measures For Arrivals Into UK And France

There has been considerable confusion over Britain’s quarantine restrictions, but it has been confirmed that they will be enforced from June 8th.

According to the UK’s Border Force, “From 8 June, there will be new rules in place for entering the UK because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules are for residents and visitors.”

The agency adds that, “Once the rules come into place you may be fined £100 ($121) if you refuse to provide your contact details, £1,000 ($1,209) if you refuse to self-isolate in England and Wales, or you could face further action. You’ll be able to find more information on enforcement measures in Scotland and Northern Ireland on this page soon.”

More information on these measures can be found here.

For travelers inbound to France, further advisory information on restrictions and quarantine measures can be found here. The website of the French government adds that these latest rules will apply, “…on top of the travel restrictions which came into force at our borders on 18 March and will remain in place until 15 June 2020.