Patel defends quarantine for travelers arriving in UK

The British Home Secretary has defended the government's decision to quarantine arrivals in the UK for 14 days saying failure to do so would compromise the progress made in tackling the new coronavirus.

"These measures are backed by the science, supported by the public, and essential to save lives," Priti Patel said in Parliament on Wednesday.

She said fines of up to 1,000 pounds or prosecution would be imposed on those who broke the rules.

"We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support, the most comprehensive in the world, for both employees and businesses," she addded.