[ad_1]
Ireland risks serious clash of coronavirus travel rules with Britain due to quarantine.
Among the virus blocking changes announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London is an exemption granted only to people traveling by air from the Republic of Ireland and France. They are not bound by the obligation of all other air travelers arriving in Britain to be quarantined for 14 days.
But sources in Dublin have emphasized that the Irish health authorities cannot extend such courtesy to air travelers arriving from Britain to Ireland. This means that the British who come to Ireland, or the Irish who return from a visit there, will be obliged to give their details and isolate themselves for 14 days.
“The way the UK is counting cases and deaths is very different from this jurisdiction and they are not doing testing in the community yet. However, Britain still has the worst coronavirus situation in the world at the moment, “said a well-placed source.
“We are simply not in a position to reciprocate in all circumstances.”
However, people can still travel freely to and from Northern Ireland.
In his television address last night, Johnson announced only minor changes to the UK shutdown and raised hopes for more with a new mantra “Stay alert, control the virus, save lives.”
The Prime Minister announced a three-phase change to coronavirus measures in England. Variations were allowed for the other parts of the United Kingdom: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Johnson described it as his “conditional plan,” working under the assumption that there were continuous improvements in the battle against the coronavirus.
Starting today, authorities are encouraging people who cannot work from home to return to work but avoid public transportation whenever possible.
Starting Wednesday, people will be allowed unlimited exercise outdoors, access to local parks, and travel, but will only be able to partner with members of the same household.
Starting June 1, there will be a gradual opening of primary schools and some contact between second-level teachers and students, and the reopening of some stores.
In July, the reopening of hospitality services is planned.
All air passengers arriving in Great Britain, with the exception of those traveling from the Republic of Ireland, must undergo some form of quarantine. After a phone conversation with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, this exemption was extended to travelers from France.
More details on the quarantine plan can be released later today.
Labor Party leader and health spokesman Alan Kelly said there is no doubt at this stage that Ireland is responding to the British move not to quarantine Irish travelers.
“The British Conservative government has really mishandled the response to this crisis and we have a duty to care for the people in this jurisdiction who have made sacrifices to help combat this scourge,” Kelly told the Irish Independent.
UK health experts expressed concern that the new catchphrase, which changed from “staying home” to “being alert”, was unclear and could lead to an increase in “risky behavior”.
The changes come more than six weeks after the UK close on March 23. Authorities then told people to stay home and only leave for “very limited” essential purposes, including basic food purchases, daily exercise, medical needs, and travel. to work, but only when it cannot be done from home.
The government’s motto was “Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”
A number 10 spokesperson said the public can “stay alert” by staying home “as much as possible,” “limit contact with others” and stay two meters away whenever possible. The two-meter distance social distance rule still applies along with tips on regular and thorough handwashing.
Last night, experts warned that the wording “stay alert” was unclear and open to misinterpretations and the spread of confusion. The new mantra emerged amid reports of new spikes in the virus in countries where it had been declining.
China recorded 14 new cases yesterday, its first double-digit increase in more than a week, and South Korea reported 34 more infections, the largest daily increase in more than a month.
Germany has also seen some regional spikes and the authorities are concerned about an increasing number of large protests against the blockade.
The leaders of all UK delegated administrations in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast pledged to continue to endorse the “stay home” message.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Of course, it is up to Boris Johnson to decide what is best for England, but given the critical point we are in to combat the virus, StayHomeSaveLives remains my clear message to Scotland at this stage. “
Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said his message had not changed and added: “Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster took the same view and said: “Overall, the message is to stay home. We will say that we are not deviating from the message at this time.”
Irish independent
[ad_2]