Travellers arriving from countries on the UK’s red list for international travel must quarantine for 10 days
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Lone women self-isolating as part of the hotel quarantine scheme are set to be given female guards following a series of sexual harassment allegations.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will make the change after 16 women reported sexual harassment claims to the BBC, with some saying their claims had been ignored or disbelieved.
The complaints included a male guard miming sex in a lift to one woman, while another asked for a hug.
In cases where no female guards are available, women should be escorted by two male attendants when moving around the hotel during their stay, the DHSC said.
Travellers arriving from countries on the UK’s red list for international travel must quarantine for 10 days in designated hotels, at a cost of £1,750.
Guests must stay in their room at all times except when escorted outside by guards for exercise.
In a statement, the DHSC said: “We will not hesitate to take immediate action to suspend staff where appropriate and report to the police if necessary.”
