The UK government published a list of people who will be exempt from the self-isolation rules, which includes data centre workers.
The relevant description for operators is – according to the document – a person involved in essential maintenance and repair of data infrastructure required to reduce and resolve outages, or in the provision of goods and services to support these activities.
Information technology or telecommunications professionals whose expertise is required to provide an essential or emergency response to threats and incidents relating to the security of any network and information system and ensure the continued operation of any network and information system, will also be exempt from the 14-day self-isolation.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new measures at the UK border to guard against a second wave of coronavirus infections.
“The scientific advice so far has been clear: while there has been significant community transmission of the virus within the UK the impact of putting in place additional border restrictions would have been negligible to the spread of the virus,” said Professor John Aston, Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser.
Those who are not exempt have been told they must not go to work, school, or public areas, or use public transport or taxis.
They are also prohibited from having visitors unless they are providing essential support, and should not go out to buy food or other essentials if they can rely on others.
The UK government also revealed that a breach of self-isolation would be punishable with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England and Wales or potential prosecution and unlimited fine. The level of fine could increase if the risk of infection from abroad increases.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while lockdown measures have been put in place, the list of key workers published by the UK Cabinet Office and the Department for Education included Data Infrastructure.
