Negative tests will be required from Friday on.
All travellers entering Ireland will be required to present a negative Covid test, Cabinet has agreed.
Everyone entering the country must present a “professionally administered” antigen test completed within 48 hours before arrival or a PCR test carried out 72 hours prior to arrival, RTE reports.
The Department of Transport is in discussions with airlines with a view to ensuring that certified antigen tests or PCR tests are checked before people board flights to Ireland from Friday onwards.
— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) November 30, 2021
Government officials met today to discuss the advice presented by NPHET at a meeting on Monday evening
A senior minister said the introduction of widespread testing for travellers is preferable to last year’s situation, where non-essential travel was not allowed.
Government are currently advising against non-essential travel to seven African countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Any people entering Ireland from theses seven countries are advised to home quarantine for ten days. Members of the same household are also required to self-isolate for ten days.
Meanwhile, the Government is to introduce legislation allowing for the re-establishment of mandatory hotel quarantine to the Dáil on Thursday.
The Cabinet has also agreed that masking wearing for primary school children from third class onwards will be advised – as well as a reduction on socialising.
The advice in this area will not be made a legal requirement, rather a recommendation to schools and parent to help curb the spread of the virus.
Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
