Passengers who must stay in hotels to quarantine for ten days after arriving from a ‘red list’ country have been told they will be served meals at sunrise and sunset.

There had been concerns from some passengers they would have to make their own arrangements for food to break the fast in the evening. Muslims are expected to fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan which begins on Tuesday April 13, Hotel guests will also be given a digital version of the Holy Quran and can take mandatory tests outside of fasting hours.

From 4am on Friday April 9, international visitors who departed from or transited through the Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England. Anyone arriving after that date must now quarantine in a government approved hotel for 10 days.

Hotel stays for the period cost £1,750 per person and are paid for by the traveller where they are provided three meals a day.

Travellers have been told, “During managed quarantine, Ramadan will be very different however we have made some adjustments to support you during this time whilst maintaining the stringent measures that are in place to stop the spread of potentially harmful variants into the UK.

“The hotel will arrange for halal and vegetarian options to ensure you are catered for. If you are observing fasting during Ramadan the hotel will make arrangements to provide you with meals at Suhoor (dawn) and Iftar (sunset).”

One traveller from Blackburn who is staying just outside London Heathrow said, “I just missed the deadline by a day and arrived here Saturday.

“I was quite apprehensive but having arrived here it seems they have everything in place and the staff are happy to serve meals at 4am and then again after 8pm.

“We have been given a Ramadan information pack with details and answers to many of our questions. Of course I would rather be home spending Ramadan with the family but the rules are the rules and they are for the benefit of everyone.”

Travellers have been told, “To ensure we follow managed quarantine guidelines communal prayer space will not be in place. Families that have interconnecting rooms are able to congregate for prayer, families that are in different rooms cannot congregate for prayer. We are unable to provide prayer mats and holy texts. Additional clean towels can be requested if you require these to make prayer.

“Although we are unable to provide holy texts there are a range of online mobile applications which can provide a digital version of the Holy Quran and other religious texts.”

Guests are told they also have the option to take their mandatory tests during the day or once they break your fast.

The advice to guests adds: “During managed quarantine guests are able to leave their room for a brief period to go outside for exercise, guests will be escorted and supervised by security staff at all times. During Ramadan you have the option to do this outside of your fasting period. You will need to wear a face covering at all times (including outside) and follow social distancing guidelines.”