MORE than 200 travellers and holidaymakers have been reported to police for failing to self-isolate after coming back from countries on the UK quarantine list.

In less than two months Greater Manchester Police has receive 263 names from the UK Border Force Agency of people not responding to the strict self-isolation requirements ­— and issued fines for those repeatedly breaching the regulations.

New rules require people to lock themselves away in their home for 14 days if they have travelled abroad ­— unless they have visited countries which are not on the list.

Public Health England carries out spot checks on travellers to ensure they are abiding by the rules.

If there is no response after a number of attempts of trying to make contact, the details of the individual will be referred to the police, who will visit the address.

Officers say they are policing by the 'four Es' ­— engaging, explaining, encouraging and, lastly, enforcing.

Since July 22, officers have visited 263 individuals and have issued two fixed penalty notices in relation to repeated breaching of the self-isolation regulations.

Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham said: "It's really important for people to self-isolate for the full 14 days when coming back to the UK as it can take this length of time for symptoms of COVID-19 to develop. During this time you could unknowingly pass the virus on to others, even if you don't have symptoms.

"When contacted by Border Force please respond as once a case is referred to police, it takes up a number of resources in order to visit the address and make contact with the individual. As well as this officers are putting their health at risk by visiting someone who could potentially be carrying the virus. A risk that is preventable if everyone self-isolates as required."