Additional 18 states added to ‘high-risk’ countries

Covid

An additional 18 states have been added to the list of ‘high-risk’ countries under Covid restrictions.

Under Regulations entered into force on February 4, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, can specify additional states as ‘Category 2’ states.

Passengers arriving from these countries must complete a mandatory 14-day period of self-quarantine.

Brazil and the Republic of South Africa have been on the list since February 4, 2021.

Angola, Austria, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, Zimbabwe have now been added to the list after National Oversight Group for Variants of Concern advised of additional high-risk in those countries.

Minister Donnelly said: “Under the current Level 5 restrictions nobody should be engaging in non-essential travel at this time. These stringent measures on people arriving to Ireland from 20 states are necessary in responding to the risks posed by variants of concern.

He added: “People who arrive in Ireland must now complete a full mandatory 14-day period of self-quarantine if they have been in any of these states in the previous 14 days. The Government will shortly consider legislation that will require such passengers arriving here to complete this quarantine at a designated facility.”

The Minister for Justice is examining the question of changes to visa arrangements in respect of applicable states being added to the schedule 2 list.