Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons he has not exempted maritime key workers from covid-19 quarantine restrictions in line with previous exemptions so granted.

We have introduced an exemption for seamen and masters, maritime pilots and inspectors and surveyors of ships, where they have travelled to the United Kingdom in the course of their work and live in the UK, they do not need to self-isolate. If they live overseas, they must self-isolate in their accommodation while in England, except while undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of their work. They are permitted to enter the UK and do not need to quarantine in a Government approved hotel, even if they have been in any country on the travel ban ‘red list’ in the previous 10 days. This is to reflect the critical role that seafarers play in ensuring the continued supply of goods in and out of the UK.