THE Scottish Tories’ likely new leader Douglas Ross has claimed talk of imposing quarantine measures on people entering the country from England is “reckless” – but there are several examples where his party appears to accept restrictions are required to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Besides the obvious examples here in the UK – Greater Manchester and Leicester ring any bells? – there are several cases of states around the world closing internal borders in attempts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon rejects Tory claim of 'reckless' Scottish Border talk
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she would not rule out bringing in measures if public health advisers deemed it necessary to do so. England has seen higher rates of infection than Scotland in recent months.
Despite the legitimate public health concerns senior Tories have long dismissed any suggestion of Border restrictions as “reckless” and “divisive” – even saying the First Minister’s language is “bad for business”.
In recent days it has emerged that the UK Government could be prepared to subject Londoners to a local lockdown if coronavirus cases there rise significantly. An insider told the Sunday Times that Number 10 would make the M25 the “border point”.
So just how many border restrictions are the Tories happy with, as long as it’s not between Scotland and England?
London
As referenced above, reports on Boris Johnson’s latest “war games” on controlling Covid-19 suggest the Prime Minister is willing to ban overnight stays in London, subject those living in the city to stay-at-home orders, and shut down close-contact services like hairdresser’s. Ministers also reportedly concluded that people would be told not travel in and out of the capital, making the M25 the “border point”.
Why is it okay to separate London from the rest of the UK for public health reasons, but the same does not apply to Scotland?
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian maritime province, close to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Progressive Conservative Party which controls the provincial administration there started requiring new arrivals to Prince Edward Island to self-isolate for two weeks on March 21. Restrictions were eased last month as cases decreased and now an Atlantic “bubble” exists, allowing travel between the island Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Labrador without the requirement for self-isolation.
Manitoba
Manitoba is another Canadian province, which is bordered by Ontario and Saskatchewan. On April 17 it was announced that people travelling to the province from outside of it would need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. This decision was made by the Progressive Conservative-led provincial government.
New Brunswick
Another Canadian province, New Brunswick requires people from outside the area to self-isolate for 14 days unless they have travelled within the Atlantic “bubble”. This was another decision made by the Progressive Conservatives party
New South Wales
Last mouth New South Wales, Australia, temporarily imposed border restrictions with Victoria in efforts to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Only those authorised can enter New South Wales if they have been in neighbouring Victoria recently as cases increased there. It is the first time the border has faced restrictions since the Spanish Flu pandemic. This decision was made by a government held by a coalition between the conservative Liberal Party and the National Party.
Ross admitted this particular decision was not reckless.
Tasmania
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, also has border restrictions in place during the crisis. The rules, in place until at least August 31, requires all non-essential travellers entering Tasmania to quarantine for 14 days. This decision was made by the conservative Liberal Party.
South Australia
South Australia, a state within Australia, imposes travel restrictions on those entering from its bordering states. If you enter from New South Wales you may not travel further than 50km over the border, while if you enter from Victoria you cannot travel further 40km over the border. You are also required to complete a cross-border approval form at least 72 hours before arrival. This was also a Liberal Party decision.
Were these decisions “reckless” or “divisive”? Or were they put in place as a public health precaution?
The Scottish Tories have been contacted for comment.
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