Ex-Miss Great Britain and Love Island star Zara Holland is 'arrested at Barbados airport after trying to AVOID quarantining when her boyfriend tested positive for Covid'
Zara Holland has reportedly been arrested in Barbados after trying to return to the UK with her boyfriend when he tested positive for coronavirus.
The former Love Island star, 25, and her beau Elliott Love, 30, are thought to have had a test when they arrived on the island on Sunday, reports The Sun.
However after receiving his result on Tuesday, the duo are said to have been given red wristbands but allegedly cut them off and tried to flee to the airport in a taxi.
Hotels in Barbados have given out red wristbands during the pandemic for guests who have not yet tested negative for the virus.
Those guests are then restricted to their rooms, only accessing meals by room service.
A member of staff at the £300-a-night Sugar Bay resort hotel is said to have found the bands and called police, who reportedly found Zara and Elliot at the airport.
Other guests at Sugar Bay are not having to quarantine as a result of the alleged breach, with staff confident no one else came into close contact, but visitors isolate on arrival anyway until a negative test is confirmed.
Making a break for it? Zara Holland has reportedly been arrested in Barbados after trying to return leave with her boyfriend when he tested positive for coronavirus (pictured in Barbados in April 2019)
Covid rules for visitors to Barbados
Before arriving in Barbados visitors have to fill out an online form and preferably include an upload of their negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
It is then mandatory for travellers from High-Risk and Medium-Risk countries to receive a second test while on island.
While waiting for the results visitors then have to restrict their movements to their accommodation and cannot have visitors.
If the result is positive, then the person is assessed at a government facility for a minimum of 24 hours. After this there is the option to self-isolate at your own expense or go to a government isolation location, such as the Paragon Military Base.
However if a positive test is returned, the visitor cannot return home. They have to isolate until they have recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your vacation or return home, Visit Barbados explains.
The country has had just 383 Covid cases and only seven deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The couple were thought to be being held on a Covid ward at the St Lucy Hospital in northern Barbados on Thursday night.
Island chief medical officer Dr Kenneth George told the publication: 'There are three tourists who are of special interest. Two are in quarantine and one in police custody.
'Two were apprehended at the airport. This is a police matter and I trust that the appropriate evidence will be submitted.'
Meanwhile, local reports in Barbados say that airport staff have been quarantined after coming into contact with two British tourists, believed to be the couple.
While a spokesman for the country's Ministry of Health and Wellness added: 'Police have held for questioning at least three tourists in relation to alleged breaches.
'We will take firm action against any individuals who breach protocols.'
Zara and Elliott could now face criminal charges, including endangering the lives of others, an £18,000 fine each and even the potential of 12 months in prison for allegedly flouting the rules.
MailOnline has contacted Zara's representatives for a comment.
Before arriving in Barbados visitors have to fill out an online form and preferably include an upload of their negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
It is then mandatory for travellers from High-Risk and Medium-Risk countries to receive a second test while on island.
While waiting for the results visitors then have to restrict their movements to their accommodation and cannot have visitors.
If the result is positive, then the person is assessed at a government facility for a minimum of 24 hours. After this there is the option to self-isolate at your own expense or go to a government isolation location, such as the Paragon Military Base.
Claims: The former Love Island star, 25, and her beau Elliott Love, 30, are thought to have had a test when they arrived on the island on Sunday and received his positive result on Tuesday
The Paragon Isolation Centre on Barbados where Zara Holland and boyfriend Elliot Love were taken after being arrested
Police called after staff at £300-a-night Sugar Bay resort hotel found bands
Not an ideal start to 2021: The duo are said to have been given red wristbands but allegedly cut them off and tried to flee to the airport in a taxi (Zara is pictured in Barbados in 2019)
Hot spot: The couple, who have been together since 2016, have visited Barbados several times (pictured on a holiday with Zara's family in 2018)
Finding fame: Zara appeared on Love Island in 2016 and has since spoken out about how her 'rollercoaster' experience on the reality show left her battling anxiety and depression
In action: Since Love Island, Zara has turned her attentions to running a business with her mum (pictured on the reality show with Daniel Lukakis)
However if a positive test is returned, the visitor cannot return home. They have to isolate until they have recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your vacation or return home, Visit Barbados explains.
The country has had just 383 Covid cases and only seven deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Zara, who was de-crowned of her Miss Great Britain title after romping with Alex Bowen on reality show Love Island back in 2016, found love with boyfriend Elliott.
The pair struck up a romance just months after Zara left the show, and she later told the Daily Star that he was 'the one'.
She gushed: 'We're very happy together and have such a great time. He is absolutely amazing and he's definitely the one.'
Throwback: Zara was de-crowned of her Miss Great Britain title after romping on the show