Checkpoints have been set up around Dublin Airport as gardai step up efforts to curb non-essential international travel.
Th strict new measures have been put in place in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 with gardai warning travellers that they could now face fines of up to €2,500 if they do not present a negative PCR test on arrival to ports and airports.
They tweeted this morning: Checkpoints have been taking place in the vicinity of Dublin Airport as part of ongoing operations surrounding non-essential travel including international travel in support of public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"Various checks on Public Health Regulations at ports/airports FPN can be issued for non essential travel, includes non essential international travel.
"Arriving international travellers must present negative PCR test, failure can be prosecuted in District Court max €2,500 fine."
The latest move comes as the Government threatens to lock up tourists who can't prove they are Covid negative.
The proposal would see anybody coming into the country without a PCR test placed in 14 days isolation.
The strict new regime is being considered to beat COVID-19 while the Government desperately scrambles to halt the spread of the rampaging virus.
Further restrictions through adjusted visa arrangements for people coming from countries or regions where the deadly disease is much higher than here are being considered.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney revealed the quarantine proposal while responding to stark warnings from NPHET and the HSE at the Oireachtas Health Committee yesterday.
He told RTE’s News at One: “We are looking at, for example, the possibility of requiring mandatory quarantine for people that arrive without a PCR test, on top of the potential legal consequences in terms of fines.
“So there are things we can do and we’re looking at them. We’re looking at other alternatives, that’s a conversation that’s taking place right across the EU – and that’s why we’re looking at the potential use of increased visa requirements.”
