Gransnet forums

Coronavirus

International travel

(11 Posts)
Daisymae Wed 27-Jan-21 09:02:01

Almost a year too late the government are introducing hotel quarantine for travellers from foreign hotspots. There are other variants out there, the just have not been identified. Surely we need a blanket ban? Why is this such an impossible decision for the government to make, especially bearing in mind the disasterous situation so far?

GrannyGravy13 Wed 27-Jan-21 09:16:35

What about the hauliers bringing food products into the UK daily, the container ships arriving with food, white goods and components for UK businesses?

Daisymae Wed 27-Jan-21 09:20:37

Hauliers could be tested.

Septimia Wed 27-Jan-21 09:24:58

You can't stop all international trade, there are things we need (not just desire) from overseas and things that we export to places where they're needed.

It's a bit like keeping burglars out - you can't reduce the risk to zero but you do try to keep it as low as possible.

People who have been working abroad need to be allowed to come home if their contract has ended. International tourism, though, is completely unneccessary at the moment.

Lucca Wed 27-Jan-21 09:32:00

How about all passenger flights at least ?

GrannyGravy13 Wed 27-Jan-21 09:37:20

Lucca

How about all passenger flights at least ?

No problem with that personally.............however many thousands of tonnes of cargo (fruit, vegetables, mail and some medicine) are on those passenger planes. What would the additional carrier costs be and would the general public be prepared to pay extra?

GagaJo Wed 27-Jan-21 09:44:26

GG13, I saw an article last week about passenger planes being used for cargo. It said that passenger flights were being used to try to help overcome the Brexit import slump. Can't find the article now, but it might be a life line for the UK, re imports AND for the airlines to try to recoup a small fraction of what they are losing due to covid.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 27-Jan-21 09:51:05

Gagajo agreed, the passengers and cargo have a symbiotic relationship regarding cost of transportation and demand.

To fly the planes for cargo only would be possible I assume. BA did at the beginning of the pandemic to bring in PPE

Callistemon Wed 27-Jan-21 10:06:17

GG13, I saw an article last week about passenger planes being used for cargo.
Our relative, who normally pilots passenger jets, has been flying cargo throughout the pandemic.

Anniezee Wed 27-Jan-21 10:11:00

Yes yes yes. A blanket ban on all international travel, both into and out of this country.

Summerlove Thu 28-Jan-21 16:57:02

Lucca

How about all passenger flights at least ?

A lot of passenger flights carry needed cargo