James Browne
Question:990. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding restrictions on inbound travel here during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/20]
View answerTuesday, 28 July 2020
Questions (990)
Written answers
As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases.
At present, passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are required to complete a COVID-19 passenger locator form. The form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.
A Green List of locations with similar or better epidemiological situations to Ireland’s has been published. The Green List ensures that appropriate public health measures are applied to international arrivals based on the country they have travelled from. Persons arriving from these countries will not be advised to restrict their movements on arrival into Ireland. Government travel advice countries on the Green List is to take Normal Precautions. The list will be reviewed every 2 weeks. If the epidemiological situation in a country deteriorates, that country will be removed from the list.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from non-‘Green List’ countries are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days. Restricted movement means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements. The next steps include an electronic the Passenger Locator Form, which is currently being developed and an increased public health presence and communications at our points of entry.