Today, the first UK Travellers from "Red List" countries will need to self isolate in designated Government hotels at a cost of £1750 for a 10 day quarantine period. This is a new Government regulation which aims to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

The new regulations are in place for anyone that has visited or transited through, any of the 33 high risk countries in the last 10 days. If you are heading back to Scotland, this applies to in-bound travel from any Country, not just the "Red List".

It is the responsibility of the traveller to arrange accommodation by pre-booking at one of the designated hotels. The total cost is £1750 for 10 days which, includes the stay, transport and testing.

During your 10 days stay, you will be tested for COVID-19 twice, on day 2 and day 8, with an RT-PCR Nasopharyngeal Swab Test. This is on-top of the normal existing test which you must take up to 72 hours before travel, making three in total! If you are positive at any point you will be need to isolate for longer.

If you are travelling from anywhere else (not on the "Red List") you can still opt-in for the Government Test to Release Scheme. NL Clinic offer an RT-PCR with same day result from £110, you can book online, it's easy and only takes a couple minutes. Results will be sent direct to your email and phone within 6-12 hours from testing. The earliest you can visit is 5 days after landing, if your result is negative you can stop self-isolating.

Some of the key points in summary

• You need a test up to 72 hours before you fly.
• If you have visited a "Red List" Country in the last 10 days, you must arrange accommodation with one of the Quarantine Hotels
• If you have not visited a "Red List Country in the last 10 days, you do not need to book a hotel, and are able to opt-in for the Test to Release scheme
• The Quarantine period in the Hotel is 10 days, without leaving your room
• You will be tested on day 2 and day 8 with a PCR Swab Test
• You will need to pay £1750 per person

The new measures in place are a serious step towards controlling Coronavirus outbreaks in the UK which, hopefully will allow us to all get out of lockdown and back to normal soon.

Kem ☃