Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential for returnees from green and amber list countries to transmit covid-19 on public transport facilities; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of mandating green and amber list returnees to be picked up by car by someone in their household or by taxi.

The country lists have been informed by public health advice, including extensive data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and are reviewed every three weeks. The Department for Transport recommends returnees only to use public transport to travel home or to where they plan to self-isolate if there is no other option. If they must travel by public transport, they should take all safety precautions including keeping their distance, wearing a face covering, regularly washing their hands and planning ahead to avoid busy routes. They are advised, if possible, to download the NHS COVID-19 app before travelling, and to check in on the app where there are official NHS COVID-19 QR code posters along their route (such as stops to buy food or if they have to take a break) but otherwise minimise all stops on their journey. Returnees will also have undergone the required pre-departure tests before travelling.