Ireland: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from Dec. 24-Jan. 12 /update 20

Ireland tightens domestic COVID-19-related restrictions Dec. 24-Jan. 12, 2021; international entry restrictions remain. Expect disruptions.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Ireland plan to tighten domestic restrictions over the holiday season, from Dec. 24-Jan. 12, 2021, due to an increase in COVID-19 infection rates. The following measures will be in place:

Individuals may have visitors from two other households until Dec. 24; visitors from one other household from Dec. 24-31; and no visitors except for essential family reasons will be allowed from Jan. 1-12.
Individuals are not permitted to travel outside their county, except for work or essential purposes, such as seeking healthcare and attending to family emergencies from Dec. 27. Working from home is required whenever possible.
Restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants will be closed from 1500 Dec. 24. Personal services, such as hairdressers, beauticians, and barbers will be closed from Dec. 24.
Nonessential retail outlets, as well as gyms and swimming pools, are permitted to operate provided they follow strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
All cultural institutions are to close from Dec. 24.
Family gatherings are suspended. Funerals are allowed with up to 10 guests. Weddings are allowed with up to 25 guests until Jan 3; up to six guests will be allowed from Jan. 3.
Public transport capacity is limited to 25 percent; residents are advised to use public transport only for essential purposes.
Nightclubs, casinos, and similar venues remain closed.
Religious services will move online from Dec. 25.
Facemasks are required in indoor public places and crowded outdoor public places.

In addition, authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions. Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (Green regions) will not need to self isolate; travelers from areas of medium COVID-19 activity (Amber regions) or areas of high COVID-19 activity (Red regions) will need to self-isolate for 14 days, which can be curtailed if they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result after five days. This requirement to self-isolate can be avoided for travelers from Amber regions if they are able to produce a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the three days prior to travel. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, aircraft pilots, and individuals traveling for an imperative business or family reason are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.

Authorities could be reintroduced, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.