Covid-19: UK Border Health Measures Debate

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Department: Home Office

Covid-19: UK Border Health Measures

Afzal Khan Excerpts
Wednesday 3rd June 2020

(3 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right to ask that question. We will be publishing the list of exemptions and, within that, there will be critical infrastructure workers and specific categories, led by the key Departments that are sponsoring those exemptions. Of course, there will be key sectors that are also included in that exemption list.

Afzal Khan Portrait Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)
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The Government’s quarantine policy is not universal and there is a relatively long list of occupations exempted from the self-isolation requirement. Can the Home Secretary confirm that those exempted from quarantine will still be tested for coronavirus upon arrival at the UK border, and if they test positive for the virus, what will they be required to do?

Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
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In answer to the hon. Gentleman’s question, many of those are deemed to be key workers. They have access to testing and are being encouraged to test. Anyone who is symptomatic or who tests positive must follow the guidance that has been put in place, which is, obviously, to self-isolate if they are sick, and to self-isolate if they are symptomatic. They must also get medical advice and treatment.