Ireland: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions until at least March 5 despite decrease in infection rates /update 24

Ireland extends domestic COVID-19 restrictions until March 5 despite lower infection rates. Entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Ireland have extended the nation's domestic coronavirus (COVID-19)-related restrictions until at least March 5, despite a decrease in infection rates. The following restrictions will remain in place across the country as part of the new directive:

Residents are not allowed visitors except for essential family reasons.
Individuals must remain at home, except for work, exercise within 5 km (3.1 miles) of home, or essential purposes, such as seeking healthcare services and attending to family emergencies. Working from home is required whenever possible.
Restaurants and pubs must remain closed. Nonessential retail outlets, personal services such as hairdressers, beauticians, and barbers, along with gyms and swimming pools, are still closed, as are all cultural institutions.
Family gatherings are suspended. Funerals and weddings are limited to 10 and six people, respectively.
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.
Facemasks are required in indoor public places and crowded outdoor public places.

In addition, authorities are maintaining certain international entry restrictions. All travelers arriving in Ireland are required to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to travel in order to be permitted entry. Passengers who do not possess such a test upon entry face a fine of up to 2,500 EUR (3000 USD) or imprisonment for up to six months and will need to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry.

Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (so-called "green" and "orange" regions) are not required to self-isolate upon entry. Travelers from areas of medium or high COVID-19 activity (grey and red regions, respectively) must self-isolate for 14 days. Travelers from South Africa and Brazil need to self-isolate in government allocated hotels. All international travelers arriving from Northern Ireland are subject to the same restrictions. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, and aircraft pilots are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.

Authorities could reintroduce, 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.