Ireland: Authorities to require negative COVID-19 test for travel from UK and South Africa effective Jan. 9 /update 22

Ireland to require travelers from UK and South Africa to provide negative coronavirus disease test results starting Jan. 9.

Event

Authorities in Ireland have extended the suspension of flights and commercial ferries with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) and flights with South Africa until 2359 Jan. 8 in response to new variants of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) active in those countries. Moreover, effective Jan. 9, travelers from these locations will be required to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel in order to be permitted entry.

Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (so-called "green" regions) are not required to self-isolate. Travelers from areas of medium or high COVID-19 activity (amber and red regions, respectively) must self-isolate for 14 days; such persons may shorten their quarantine periods if they test negative after five days. Persons arriving from "amber regions" need not self-isolate if they are able to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction test taken within the three days prior to travel. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, aircraft pilots, and individuals traveling for imperative business or family reasons are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.

Domestic Measures
The following domestic restrictions remain in place across Ireland:

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, will be closed. All cultural institutions remain closed.
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.

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.