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Ireland will follow the UK in introducing a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for people arriving from Denmark following a Covid-19 outbreak in the country’s mink population.
Northern Ireland introduced the measure on Saturday morning and Prime Minister Arlene Foster spoke with the Taoiseach about implementing a joint approach.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has now confirmed that the Republic will also introduce the measure.
He said: “People will have to isolate themselves for 14 days, whatever happens. People who come from Denmark, there are not a large number, but we are following the health advice, similar to what happens in the UK. “.
(Image: Gareth Chaney / Collins)
A mutated form of coronavirus in mammals, which are widely raised for their fur, has led to a nationwide slaughter in Denmark and sent parts of the country into lockdown.
While the mutated strain is not believed to be more dangerous, public health officials fear it could undermine the effectiveness of a future vaccine.
However, Ryan admitted that self-isolation will not be applied and people will be trusted to follow the guidance themselves.
“We have to do it, that’s the approach we have taken. If we have to change, we will see it this way. This continues to evolve in all aspects of how we manage Covid-19,” he told RTE.
“We will treat Denmark differently. We will not provide European exceptions. The same standard European approach will not apply to Denmark.”
Writing on Twitter, Ms. Foster said, “Today I spoke with the Taoiseach and our Minister of Health about working together to protect people in both jurisdictions.
“Denmark’s development is very worrying. It is important that we work together to keep everyone safe.”
The president of the nation’s public health emergency team, Cillian De Gascun, has downplayed the immediate risk from the mutated strain.
“I don’t think we should be worried at this point,” he said.
He said it didn’t make sense for the mutated spot to be “more virulent or severe,” but said it could potentially affect the effectiveness of a vaccine.
Northern Ireland Medical Director Dr Michael McBride said: “Self-isolation for anyone who has been to Denmark is a mandatory requirement and applies to all members of the household.”
“This is an emerging picture and a precautionary approach is required at this early stage.
“We are in close contact with public health colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
“UK authorities are working closely with international partners to understand the changes to the virus that have been reported in Denmark. An additional research program in the UK will inform the risk assessments.”
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