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Travelers from certain EU states will no longer have to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in the Republic starting next week.
Those arriving from orange-coded areas under the EU’s “traffic light” system can waive the current mandatory period of self-isolation as long as they have proof that they are negative for Covid-19, according to the Irish Times.
Passengers arriving from red-coded areas will be able to exit the 14-day early period if they test negative for Covid-19 five days after arrival.
The decision comes as part of the adoption of the EU system that sees countries color-coded from low-risk green to high-risk red, based on their virus rates. The system allows member states to establish their own restrictions based on this risk classification.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan told deputies and senators on Wednesday that the government will adopt the system starting Sunday night, November 8.
Those arriving from the orange areas must prove that they tested negative for Covid-19 up to three days before their arrival in the Republic, he said.
Ryan acknowledged that only a small number of EU regions are currently rated orange by the European Center for Disease Control, as most remain red zones following a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Airport tests
Ryan also noted that the Government would support plans to establish test centers at Republic airports for those traveling from the Republic.
Dublin airport owner DAA has said it could have a hub open in a few days if it receives a ministerial order waiving the need to obtain a planning permit for the facility.
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“The government will help DAA in any way they need,” said Minister Ryan.
He added that the testing system introduced by the airport would have to be one approved by the health authorities.
Ryan told the committee that the Republic would only accept PCR test results that verify the DNA of the virus, rather than faster and cheaper screening that identifies antigens released by an individual’s immune system.
“Current advice from international authorities is that antigen testing is not appropriate for international air travel,” he said.
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