A leading Irish virologist has called for flights from the UK to Ireland to be suspended due to the new Covid-19 strain.
Dr Gabriel Scally suggested on social media that the measure be taken to stop the spread of the "more infectious" variant of Covid-19.
Belgium and the Netherlands have already taken the step to stop flights from the UK.
Dr Scally said: "Netherlands halts flights from the UK. Surely flights from Britain to Ireland should be suspended if this new variant is a danger?
"Is there not a need need for proper North-South co-operation in Ireland to stop East-West spread if it is an even more infectious #COVID19 variant?"
It comes as the Dutch ban on UK flights comes into place from 6am until January 1.
The Dutch Health Ministry said: "An infectious mutation of the Covid-19 virus is circulating in the United Kingdom.
"It is said to spread more easily and faster and is more difficult to detect."
The body "recommends that any introduction of this virus strain from the United Kingdom be limited as much as possible by limiting and/or controlling passenger movements."
The World Health Organisation is in close contact with the UK regarding the new strain of Covid-19.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock labelled the mutated virus as "out of control" as he locked down much of London and Southern England on Saturday ahead of Christmas.
And the WHO have said they are looking to analyse the new strain and see what, if any, implications it might have.
A spokesperson for the WHO said: "We’re in close contact with UK officials on the new Covid-19 virus variant.
"They’ll continue to share info & results of their analysis & ongoing studies. We’ll update Member States & public as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant & any implications.
"In the meantime, we continue to advise people to take all protective measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus and comply with national authorities' guidance."
