Tighten borders or we risk 3rd wave here, say experts

BRITAIN faces being dragged into Europe’s third Covid wave unless border restrictions are tightened, experts warned last night.

- JOHN SIDDLE

A surge in infections has plunged countries across the continent into a fresh crisis.

Scientists are concerned Europe could be a breeding ground for stubborn new variants – and even trigger a fresh spike in cases here.

Currently only travellers returning to Britain from 35 red-list countries must quarantine in an airport hotel.

Other travellers are meant to self-isolate at home and take two tests.

And even though overseas holidays are off limits until at least mid-May, 461,000 people passed through Heathrow last month, including 118,000 EU citizens.

Prof Christina Pagel, right, of the Independent SAGE group of experts, wants stronger travel restrictions.