Ex-EasyJet chairman: Two-week quarantine period for arrivals doesn't work

10 November 2020, 14:18

Ex-EasyJet chairman: Two-week quarantine period for arrivals doesn't work

By Sam Sholli

This is the moment the former chairman of EasyJet and BT Group told LBC that the two-week quarantine period for international arrivals "doesn't really work" as far as safety is concerned.

Sir Mike Rake made the comment to LBCs Nick Ferrari after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK is making "good progress" in developing a testing regime to shorten the quarantine period for international arrivals

Mr Shapps has said that the Government's "test and release programme could pave the way for a "much reduced" self-isolation period.

Sir Mike told LBC that the developments in the testing regime were the "first chink of hope" for the travel industry.

James O'Brien looks at the potential Covid vaccine

He said: "This industry is critically important to our country, both from a business and tourism activity point of view. It's all about relative risk management.

"So other countries have succeeded in creating an inward testing environment, which significantly reduces quarantine.

"And from a safety point of view frankly at the moment...the studies show and anecdotally we know that the quarantine two weeks doesn't really work.

"The vaccine won't be instant, and nor will economic recovery."

"A large number of people are asymptomatic. You catch this if you have testing. So actually we both improve our economy and improve our risk management of the virus by having testing.

"Other countries have had it in place for several months. I hope very much that, using these new technologies, we will introduce it..."

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Caller Som has a warning from the past as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates.

Caller Som has a warning from history as Israel and Iran conflict escalates

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller Layla

Caller Layla fears for her daughters following Kemi Badenoch's Burqa comments

Caller Barry

LBC caller backs the government's reversal on the winter fuel allowence

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

Exclusive
'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams government

'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams the government

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’ | LBC’s best callers of the week

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Farage is a media-made man'

David and Nick debate whether 'tiny and ridiculous' Reform gets too much airtime

Tube worker John

Tube worker shares his close encounters with fare dodgers

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions