Ireland's hotel quarantine plans will kick off this week according to Government's Michael McGrath.
The Minister for Public Expenditure told RTE News that arrivals from designated countries will have to self-isolate in hotels as part of new plans to tackle the ongoing pandemic.
It is understood that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will outline a layout for the system in the coming days with the quarantining plans hoped to be fully in effect by the end of this week.
President Michael D Higgins signed the new requirement into legislation at the start of March - But what exactly do we know about it so far?
What is the new law?
Anyone arriving in Ireland from the list of “high risk” countries must quarantine for 14 days once they arrive in Ireland. Failure to do so will result in a hefty fine.
When will the law come into effect?
It's expected to come into effect in the next few days.
In the meantime, the Government is giving out contracts to hotel providers who will be providing accommodation for the arrivals.
Which countries are considered "high risk"?
Mandatory quarantine will now be required for people travelling to Ireland from 33 countries. These countries have had serious outbreaks of COVID.
They will still have to quarantine if they travel through a port or airport in a designated country, even if they stay there in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Ireland.
The following countries are currently on Ireland’s high risk list: Argentina, Angola, Austria, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Rep. of Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Paraguay, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It’s important to check this list before travelling as it could be updated.
How will it work?
Those arriving in Ireland from any of the countries listed will be taken to a designated quarantine facility where they will spend the next 14 days.
Passengers must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and provide evidence that they have had a negative COVID test carried out 72 hours before they arrived into Ireland.
Their mandatory quarantine could be cut short if their COVID test comes back negative on day 10 of their stay.
What happens on arrival to Ireland?
Passengers required to quarantine will be met by dedicated staff such as members of the Irish Defence Forces.
They will be accompanied to their transport which will take them to the mandatory quarantine facility and they will be provided with a handbook to provide them with essential information about what they need to do.
Where will people have to quarantine?
Passengers arriving from the high risk countries will be required to quarantine at a designated facility such as hotels.
They must stay there for 14-days and may only leave in the case of an emergency.
How much will it cost?
The exact cost of quarantine will depend on the facility but it could be up to €2,000 per person.
Is anyone exempt from these rules?
The following people can avoid mandatory quarantine:
Those providing essential goods and services
Drivers of a heavy goods vehicle
Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew
Those with a legal obligation, such as an arrest warrant
A member of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces
Anyone with an urgent humanitarian reason
Travelling for medical reasons
A member of the house of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament
What happens if the rules aren't followed?
Under the new legislation first-time offenders could be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
Further information can be found here.
