Sage scientist casts doubt on quarantine plans

A scientific adviser to the Government has cast doubt over the effectiveness of a blanket quarantine for visitors to the UK. Professor Robert Dingwall, a member of a sub-group of Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies), made the comments after Home Secretary Priti Patel came under pressure from MPs over the plans which come into force in England on Monday legally requiring most people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days. She insisted the idea was “backed by science”, was “essential” to save lives and crucial to make sure gains made in fighting the virus were not lost. But Prof Dingwall told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We are not seeing new clusters that are taking off...