Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
CABINET HAS TODAY agreed that all passengers arriving into Ireland will need a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure.
While the Government has yet to formally notify airlines, the new rules will kick in on Saturday.
Travellers from Britain and South Africa have had to provide a negative PCR test since last week.
Arrivals from Great Britain and South Africa will continue to require a negative/not detected PCR test and must continue to isolate for 14 days, even if they take a second test after arrival.
The Cabinet agreed last week that the provision should be extended to all passengers from all countries.
Sources said at the time that such a plan would take longer to roll out, but Cabinet agreed on the new measures this afternoon.
Passengers from green and amber regions will not have to restrict their movements once they have the negative results upon arrival in Ireland.
Those travelling from red regions or grey regions (which are countries not in teh EU traffic light system – such as the US) will need a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before they depart, and they will also have to take a test five days after landing in Ireland.
If they get a clear test after the five days they will no longer have to restrict movements.
If they do not take a second test they will have to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Checks will be made by the Border Management Unit at Dublin Airport and by the gardaí at other points of entry.
Passengers flying into Northern Ireland and travelling down to the Republic remains a key concern for the government, though sources welcomed that the UK is also pushing the requirement for a negative test being needed 72 hours prior to departure.
#JustPublished
— ECDC (@ECDC_EU) January 7, 2021
Updated 🚦 maps are now online!
These maps aim to support the @EUCouncil recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of #FreeMovement in response to the #COVID19 pandemic in the EU.
Find more here: https://t.co/CcBVx6B0o5 pic.twitter.com/yMZ8AGjZUt
A government source said Ireland needs to ensure connectivity for essential travel and cargo is maintained, and that any new rule would be consistent with the EU traffic light system.
While connectivity is expected to be lost under the travel regime, government sources believe it is the correct position to take with the number of cases so high in the country.
Ireland is signed up to the EU traffic lights approach on international travel.
There are also certain categories of travellers where the travel restrictions do not apply.
Exemptions include international transport workers, including hauliers, pilots and aviation crew, masters and maritime crew, and members of An Garda Síochána in the course of their duties.
Children under six will also be exempt.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Anything other than NEPHET is good news
@Maurice O Neill: Or even anything other than TRUMP is even better news.
@Maurice O Neill: Yes, but it’s going to be very cold so PLEASE only got out if essential. Ensure proper had hygiene with lots of moisturiser to stop chapping and wear gloves. Scarves, of course, are mandatory but we’ve had good compliance for this general. Lastly, 2 metre social distancing is recommended in the strongest terms, for an anyway decent snowball fight. Thank you.
I have several loaves of bread, toilet paper and easter eggs. I’m looking to swap for a Tesla, please, I know what I have and won’t negotiate.
@Ally Mc Culladgh: Tesla’s are rubbish in the snow
I knew it was a good idea to buy that snow shovel in Aldi 5 years ago.
@Tom Leddy: dam, I traded my snow shovel in for a multi tool that cuts from bread to oak trees.
In fairness this is the first “normal “ winter we’ve had in years. It won’t guarantee us a Summer though
@Sean Treacy: Well if it keeps a fair amount of people in, it might guarantee they’ll see Summer.
@Fiona Fitzgerald: well said
@Fiona Fitzgerald: wow!!
@Sean Treacy: positivity only please
It is already cold this afternoon, can definitely feel a difference. However, it is the first time I was outside of the house since Monday, so anything could have happened outside between then and now and it would be an event LOL
All there equipment and its all up in the air we might get snow we might not get snow come on its 2021 get it right
@Roy O’ Brien: “all the equipment”? This has to be one of the most laziest and misguided karen whinges of all journal comments history! Ask to see the manager….that should sort out your issues.
@Roy O’ Brien: I’m not one to slate a fellow O’Brien, so I won’t.
That will be helpful to the pensioners that are being screwed with the carbon tax on their oil and gas!
@John Mc Donagh: get a fat wife and save on heating
Time to defrost the freezer and stock up so.
Lads, YakTrax are a lifesaver if you’re walking on concrete.
@Fiona Fitzgerald: any good for snow and ice?
not gonna happen
have your say