Milton Keynes Council has today called for a limit on the number of managed quarantine hotels in the city.

Under current rules, everyone who is allowed to enter England from a red list country must quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel for 10 full days.

Councillor Jane Carr, Liberal Democrat Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member with responsibility for public health, believes the number of these hotels in Milton Keynes is unsustainable.

“At the moment, direct flights from red list countries can only arrive into London Heathrow and Birmingham. Because of our proximity to these and other key airports, our city is an appealing location for quarantine hotels.”

“However, these hotels put additional strain on the Council and local health service at what is already an extremely trying time.  Additionally, as we ease out of lockdown, these hotels may be needed for local events, benefiting the local economy.”

“We completely understand the need for these hotels, and will do everything we can to help reduce the risk of transmissions, but there needs to be a limit.”

Councillor Carr concluded: “If more and more managed quarantine hotels are needed, we need reassurance from the Managed Quarantine Service in the Department of Health and Social Care that the number planned for our city is limited, appropriate and sustainable.”