Hotels and the government still cannot agree on quarantine contracts. Image: Wikipedia
Hotels and the government cannot yet agree on quarantine contracts, only a few days left.
GOVERNMENT negotiations over hotels and quarantine arrivals have reportedly reached a “major sticking point”. Not a single company has yet agreed to sign a contract to accommodate the arriving travelers. The new quarantine requirement for arrivals from 33 worldwide Covid hotspots begins next Monday, February 15th.
The ministers announced earlier this week that they would reserve at least 28,000 hotel rooms at 10 airports and ports. Unfortunately, the hotels themselves are unable to argue, as occupancy fell last year due to the crisis.
A health ministry spokesman said: “The government is attempting to request accommodation exclusively for an initial 45-day period through March 31, but expects hotels to roll over beyond this point, with a daily rate cap of £ 50 and £ 80 for a room and three meals a day. “
He added, “The government wants an open approach, but hotels are unwilling to do so unless they compensate them for the income they would get from July and August bookings. The government is unwilling to do this, so there is a big sticking point in funding it. Why sign up for this when you could get your normal summer rates? “
Ministers will have to resolve the dispute by the weekend if they are to start the program on February 15th as planned. The Department of Health is believed to be currently prioritizing hotels within two miles of Heathrow, with Accor, IHG and Hilton among others participating in the discussions.
Downing Street has refused to rule out whether Brits can opt for luxury quarantine options at a higher price or have a choice of where to stay.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said, “It remains that the Department of Health will continue to work closely with hotels as we roll out the policy on February 15.” You can expect more updates this week. “
When asked if there had been an increase in arrivals or if people came back early to defeat the quarantine, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman replied, “Not that I saw”.
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