What quarantine measures mean for the Port of Sunderland

The Port of Sunderland expected to largely escape the potential impact of planned quarantine measures for international travel.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The latest government coronavirus advice has confirmed anyone arriving in the UK from abroad will be told to isolate themselves at a designated address for two weeks after their arrival.

But exemptions for key workers and the nature of trade flowing in and out of Wearside means the rules are likely to leave the city largely untouched.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If we’re going to close the borders, which is what we should have done months ago, then that has to apply to ports,” said Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council.

Port of SunderlandPort of Sunderland
Port of Sunderland

“Luckily, Sunderland tends to be about dropping off cargo and ships are in and out, so there’s not really a need for crews to stay in Sunderland.

“But we have to accept quarantine measures, which should have been brought in weeks ago, will impact how the port runs, like it will also affect Newcastle Airport.”

The Port of Sunderland is owned by the city council. The council also holds a stake in Newcastle International Airport, along with other North East local authorities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Quarantine plans for those entering the UK are due to be formally announced later this month, along with a start date for the new rules regime.

Exemptions are expected for travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, as well as France, which is reportedly working on a reciprocal agreement with the British government.

Designated key workers, such as freight and lorry drivers, are also to be spared having to isolate for a fortnight.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.