Ireland: Authorities to tighten COVID-related domestic restrictions from Dec. 31. /update 21

Ireland tightens domestic coronavirus-related restrictions from Dec. 31; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Ireland plan to tighten domestic restrictions due to an increase in infection rates. Effective Dec. 31, the following measures will be in place:

Residents are not allowed visitors except for essential family reasons.
Individuals must remain within 5 km (3 miles) of their homes, except for work 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.

International Entry Restrictions
In addition, international entry restrictions. remain in force. 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. Person 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 (PCR) 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.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK and South Africa as part of Ireland's response to a new strain of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. The suspension of flights and commercial ferries from UK, as well as flights from South Africa, will remain in force through at least Jan. 6.

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.