Turkey, Poland and Caribbean islands added to quarantine list

Scots holidaymakers coming back from Turkey, Poland and the Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba must quarantine for two weeks upon their return from this weekend.

Meanwhile, the autonomous Portuguese islands of the Azores and Madeira have been given exempt status, meaning quarantine-free travel from Scotland will be permitted.

Both sets of measures come into effect from 4am on Saturday.

In Poland, coronavirus infections have soared in recent days, while cases in the three Caribbean islands have also been rising.

Case numbers in Turkey have been “under-reported”, the Scottish Government said, leading to quarantine measures for people coming back from the popular holiday destination.

Scots returning from any country not classed as exempt must self-isolate for 14 days at home or another specified address to help in the fight against Covid – with a £480 fine for anyone found to have breached the rules.

The Azores and Madeira are the latest destinations to join the limited list of countries Scotland has established so-called “air corridors” with – meaning you can go there without having to self-isolate when you get back.

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Although we are lifting quarantine restrictions on those travelling from the Azores or Madeira, in line with the public health data we have received, people should think long and hard before choosing to travel abroad, particularly during the forthcoming October break.

“At present all foreign travel carries a risk.

“Quarantine requirements could be imposed on those arriving on holiday abroad, just as we may make the decision to impose the same in Scotland.

“People should think very hard before committing to non-essential foreign travel.

“Imposing quarantine restrictions on those arriving in the UK is our first defence in managing the risk of importing cases from communities with high risks of transmission.”