Need a favor from you kind folks in the UK group re: restrictions, etc.

[a la izquierda]

I am due to travel in a couple weeks to Essex to see my partner (it's been 6 months already). I've also been admitted to Birkbeck UCL to start a law degree in October (great timing). I cannot figure out where to find the most up-to-date guidelines on whether or not people have to quarantine (it's fine if I do, I just need to do it away from him and his kids for two weeks as they're all asthmatics); whether I can book a hotel for that purpose; etc., etc. The airlines send me to one government page that specifically for UK citizens and says nothing really about incoming travelers. The US Dept of State website is also unhelpful.

I'd appreciate any suggestions you have. TIA.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. The government seems to offer to find a place

which seems reasonable with the asthma problem - BBC report dated today:

Any passengers arriving in the UK by plane, ferry or train will have to provide an address where they will remain for two weeks.

The idea is to reduce the spread of coronavirus by minimising the contact international travellers have with other people when they first arrive.

The government has not given a starting date, but has said it wants the measures introduced "as soon as possible".

On arrival, travellers will need to provide UK Border Force officials with an address where they will self-isolate. Otherwise, accommodation will be arranged by the government.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52544307

Which links to this May govt paper:

Second, the Government will require all international arrivals not on a short list of exemptions to
self-isolate in their accommodation for fourteen days on arrival into the UK. Where international
travellers are unable to demonstrate where they would self-isolate, they will be required to do so in
accommodation arranged by the Government. The Government is working closely with the
devolved administrations to coordinate implementation across the UK.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884760/Our_plan_to_rebuild_The_UK_Government_s_COVID-19_recovery_strategy.pdf

When the virus first hit abroad, they had accommodation near Heathrow and Merseyside where incoming passengers were taken - that may still be available.

[a la izquierda]

2. Appreciate this, thanks. I see the quarantine date hasn't been set...

This is what's causing some of the headache. If I can get an Airbnb flat in Essex, I'd much prefer that so at least I can cook and such.
But considering I'm grateful I'm even allowed to get on the plane, I'll take whatever I can get!

[Soph0571]

3. I am sure that I have read somewhere they plan to start on 1/06/2020

But planning and doing are two different things with this government. How exciting for you to get over!! If you are going to Birbeck, when this is all over we must meet up for a drink. It is but a hop and a skip from where I am!

[a la izquierda]

6. Excellent! I will do just that.

I’m sure it’s June 1, but who knows. I’ll wait a few more days to decide where to stay.

[muriel_volestrangler]

16. Starting 8th June

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/22/uk-quarantine-plan-what-will-it-mean-for-travellers

[a la izquierda]

17. I arrive the 6th. I'm relieved.

I didn’t want to have to stay in an airport hotel with no kitchen. A kitchen and the ability to run outside are all I need for now.

[T_i_B]

4. Whereabouts in Essex?

I spent 11 years living in Essex.

[a la izquierda]

5. Colchester

It’s a weird place but I love it.

[Soph0571]

7. It is higgedly pigedly and marvellous!

I love the fact that it has streets of houses older than the discovery of America!

[a la izquierda]

8. I'm waiting on admission there too.

Their human rights law program is stellar.

It reminds me of New Jersey in some weird ways. I love it so.

[Soph0571]

13. They have announced today the quarantine for inbound will be from the 8th n/t

[a la izquierda]

14. I arrive on the 6th! I'm ecstatic!

I’m going to stay away from my man for five days, after he picks me up, but I’m so, so excited!!!

[Soph0571]

15. Oh that is bloody brilliant!!!!!

It would have been so shit to be so near but so far for two week. Yay to the both of you!

[T_i_B]

9. I lived in Colchester for 3 years

I loved it there. The history of Britain's oldest town is something I definitely appreciated. I still have a few friends there and like heading back to old haunts like The Vic and the Odd One Out.

Wivenhoe (a small village near the University) is also somewhere I really like.

[a la izquierda]

10. I'll hopefully be living there this time next year.

I'm tired of a commuter relationship, and it was a new one at that when I left!
Three Wise Monkeys is my favorite place, but pretty much any pub that shows football is where I am on weekends. And I love running in Castle Park.

[T_i_B]

11. I've actually been messaging somebody from 3 Wise Monkeys today!

Small world.

[a la izquierda]

12. I doubt I'll get to go on this trip, but who knows.

I bought a gift card back in March for use this summer...it might have to wait until I move.