People coming from orange region will no longer need quarantine if they are negative for COVID-19

Visitors to Ireland from areas designated as status orange under the European Union’s traffic light system will no longer be required to be self-isolated.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said quarantine would not be required from next Sunday if travelers could provide valid evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before they travelled.

Minister Ryan said the move would take effect from the weekend to manage travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Currently, those arriving in Ireland from areas under status orange are required to isolate themselves for 14 days. But under the new scheme, it is unlikely that this will be necessary if the traveler can be assured of no virus.

Minister Ryan told the Oireachtas Committee that the Government had agreed that, from midnight on 8 November, there will be no requirement for people arriving from orange locations to restrict their movements if they could provide a negative COVID-19 test result.

However, he clarified that for those coming from a red region need to restrict movement for 14 days, as per the current requirement. Children under the age of six will be exempted from the testing requirements.

“It may see a return to travel for essential work in a way that gives us that benefit for the economy as well as protecting public health,” said Minister Ryan.