'Tests, not quarantine', says UK public in poll

The survey of 2,139 UK adults found 62% said they would prefer testing on arrival compared to 38% who would opt for quarantine.

More than half (55%) felt the returning traveller should pay for a test on arrival, with 52% saying they would be prepared to pay a minimum of £50 themselves to avoid the 14-day quarantine.

Another 38% said they would pay up to £50, with 10% saying they would pay up to £100 and 4% saying they would pay £150.

Among those who expressed an opinion, nearly three-quarters (73%) said they would prefer a two-part test, with five days’ quarantine in between, rather than the current 14-day quarantine period.

The poll was carried out by travel consultancy The PC Agency and independent market research company AudienceNet for The Daily Telegraph.

Paul Charles, The PC Agency chief executive, said: “This survey proves that the British public want to see a change of government policy, as they’d prefer being tested on entry instead of being forced to quarantine for 14 days.

“What’s more is that a two-part test, with a short quarantine period in between each one, would be popular if the government endorsed it. If we’re to learn to live with coronavirus then a testing strategy needs to be outlined urgently.”