'HUNG OUT TO DRY' British couple to be among first to quarantine after returning from Spain slam ‘ridiculous’ travel U-turn
A BRITISH couple who are to be among the first travellers to quarantine after returning from Spain have slammed the Government's travel U-turn as "ridiculous".
Sophie Ingham, 23, and her boyfriend Nick Baldwin are on holiday in Tenerife but face two weeks in isolation when they land in the UK today.
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They flew out to the Spanish island last week after the Government opened up an 'air bridge' with the country.
However, after a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain, holidaymakers in the country (including islands) will now be forced to quarantine for two weeks upon returning home to the UK.
The Foreign Office has also warned against "all but essential travel" to mainland Spain - though this advice does not cover the Canary Islands or Balearic Islands.
Sophie and Nick were due to land in Leeds at 2.50am today - less than three hours after the new rules kick in.
And Sophie has blasted the rules saying she feels tourists have been "hung out to dry".
She told MailOnline: "We were shocked. I think it's ridiculous, we've only been here a week and we've followed all the rules.
"We have worn masks when we needed to and not been close to anyone other than each other.
"We don't even know if it definitely includes us as it is just mainland Spain that is suffering a second spike, so does this include the islands?
"It's all unclear and upsetting as we really cannot quarantine."
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Sophie feels like holidaymakers have been let down by the new rules.
But she said it was "a difficult one" because "Boris or the government couldn't win either way".
She added: "I think implementing this quarantine without giving people enough notice to get home is completely unfair.
"Spain's cases have been increasing for the past few days, the government have allowed families to travel in the past two days as the summer holidays have begun.
"Only to implement a lockdown 48hours later? It makes no sense.
"The government knew the risks when they opened the air bridges and now they are hanging travellers out to dry when a lot of people will not be able to quarantine.
"However, if he doesn't implement a quarantine and a second spike hits the UK then he will be criticised.
"I just think he should have warned people or at least allowed them time to bring flights forward."
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And despite the huge announcement, Sophie said the couple have had no guidance.
She said: "No one has said a word to us at all. It's very bad.
"Loads of British people now worried in the airport and refreshing the news."British tourists were last night told they should not travel to Spain unless it is "essential".
The Foreign Office said the decision was made after assessing the coronavirus risks in the country.
But the advice against travel only applies to mainland Spain, with holiday hotpots such as Majorca and Ibiza left off the 'no go' list.
Brits are urged to contact their tour operator or airline for information regarding their return journey.
Quarantine: your questions answered
What happens when anybody arrives from Spain?
Travellers returning to the UK from Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands and Balearics will have to fill out a form declaring where they will be for the next 14 days and stay put.
What if I refuse to give my address or break quarantine?
Fines start at £100 for failing to fill in the form in England. Breaching the self-isolation will result in a £1,000 penalty for UK citizens or possible deportation for foreign nationals.
Is anyone exempt from quarantine?
Foreign diplomats and those who travel regularly to and from the UK, such as lorry drivers and medical workers, are not covered by the rules. Elite sports such as Formula One and Champions League footballers are also exempt, providing they create "bubbles".
What happens if I have to be back at work the next day?
It is up to your employer to grant you time off. Before last night there was no automatic compensation for people who miss work or lose business due to quarantine.
Are all parts of Spain on the 'don't travel' black list?
Separately, the Foreign Office says to avoid all but essential travel to mainland Spain, but this does not extend to the Canary Islands and Balerarics. However, holidaymakers in all parts of Spain including the islands WILL have to quarantine.
Why is this necessary?
A fresh outbreak of the virus in Spain has increased the risk of tourists spreading the infection in the UK. The Government says the measures are backed by science and will help prevent a second wave imported from abroad.
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