Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland, along with other EU Member States, adopted the EU ‘Traffic Light’ approach to travel within the European Union, European Economic Area and United Kingdom. This system came into effect from the 13^th October 2020 and allows greater freedom for short-haul travel from Ireland, while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The implementation of this system now allows individuals travelling from certain regions to avoid the previous 14-day self-isolation period by providing confirmation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, 5 days after arriving in Ireland. This must be at the individual’s own expense, assuming the person has no symptoms a private covid test is required so as not to put a strain on HSE resources.

Read on to find out more about the new Government 5-day quarantine clearance requirements…

The EU ‘Traffic Light’ system is based on a combined indicator map which is updated weekly by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This map categorises regions as either green, orange, red or grey depending on their COVID-19 rates of infection. Restrictions when travelling to and from regions within the map depends on the categorisation of the region.

Under this system, individuals travelling from a ‘green’ region do not have to restrict movements on arrival in Ireland. Individuals travelling from an ‘orange’ region do not have to restrict movement if they can show a negative PCR test in the 3 days before arriving to Ireland.

Individuals arriving in Ireland from an ‘orange’, ‘red’ or ‘grey’ region can stop restricting movements by getting a negative PCR test 5 days or more after arrival in Ireland. Please note, individuals must restrict their movements until they receive the PCR test result.

On the 8^th December 2020, TMB launched a Drive Through COVID-19 testing facility at Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin. In association with Plusvital Laboratory, TMB are providing an express RT-PCR screening service with a guaranteed result and Covid-19 travel clearance certification available within 24 hours. TMB’s drive through PCR test is priced at €120 per person, certification included. This drive through testing facility is designed to provide a quick, convenient, and safe way for those planning flights or those returning to Ireland to allow them to benefit from the newly introduced Government 5-day quarantine clearance requirements.

Thank you for reading our blog Government 5-day quarantine clearance requirements. Book your drive through PCR test appointment or an in-clinic PCR test today with Tropical Medical Bureau.