We should have learned a few things over the last 3 years:
To ensure high confidence the virus cannot enter is complete shutdown of immigration. China and Australia amongst others tried this - cities locked down, quarantine for incoming passengers etc. Even that was not 100% effective.
A ban would include all flights to UK - once the virus is outside China it will spread globally. Holidays would be cancelled.
A further thing we have learned. China is in a bit of a panic because they have a low level of immunity either through vaccination or contact. Australia who have vaccinated intensively opened up with limited problems.
The UK has a high level of vaccine roll out. It has dismantled a lot of the control mechanisms - testing, social distancing rules etc etc. There is very limited public appetite for their reintroduction - imposition would likely be ignored unless the threat was abundantly clear.
We do not know (a) what the current situation is in China, (b) are there new mutations, and (c) is the current level of vaccine protection adequate to provide protection.
In summary - we know that half measures are ineffectual and just slow the rate of spread at best. Before applying a "precautionary principle" shutdown we need to know a lot more given the immense cost and disruption, and the risk it may be effectively unenforceable.
Last edited by: Terry on Fri 30 Dec 22 at 03:35
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