Ireland: Authorities to ease quarantine requirements from July 20 /update 10

Event

Irish authorities will ease foreign travel quarantine restrictions which were previously introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic from July 20. A list of "green" countries, which are considered to represent a low risk of infection, will be released on July 20. Those arriving from a country in the "green list" will no longer be subject to the 14-day self-quarantine requirements. However, quarantine requirements will remain in place for all countries which are not included in the list. Those arriving from higher risk locations will still be required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form on arrival and self-isolate for two weeks. Authorities may contact people to confirm they are following the required procedure.

Ireland entered phase 3 of their 4-phase plan to reopen the country on June 29. Face masks are compulsory on public transport, restaurants, and shops. Barbershops, churches, theatres, cinemas, and gyms reopened under certain hygiene conditions. People are allowed to resume domestic travel.

As of Sunday, July 5, there have been 25,509 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, with 1,741 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.