Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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468. To ask the Minister for Health if he will issue new and clear instructions to the public on exercise etiquette to include mandatory mask-wearing outdoors and express reminders on how 2 m should be the minimum distance, particularly in the context of the virulence of the new UK Covid-19 variant and that many are reporting feeling unsafe due to crowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As I am sure you will appreciate, the evidence relating to Covid-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including for face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

The use of face coverings by people is recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, such as in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation. Face coverings are also mandatory on public transport, including in taxis, as well as in bus and rail stations and in shops and other retail outlets. In restaurants, you should wear a face covering on your way to and from your table.

The relevant Regulations in relation to face coverings, which remain in place until 9 June, 2021, are: -

Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 571 of 2020).

It is important to note that the use of face coverings should not be a substitute for other public health measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission, such as keeping a distance of 2 metres between you and other people, proper respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, and avoiding touching your face, nose, eyes and mouth.

To support the ongoing public health guidance by the NPHET, my Department’s Press and Communications unit works closely with the HSE Communications team to raise the profile of the key public health messages amongst the general public.

The current advice in relation to face coverings is available at:- and

Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here:-

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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469. To ask the Minister for Health the reason his Department has not introduced mandatory, monitored quarantine for arrivals at ports and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3470/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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All passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are required to present negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland and to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator form. The form is used to support the targeting of key public health messages to passengers.

Ireland has implemented travel measures in accordance with the EU ‘traffic light system’, which allows for restrictions to be targeted based on the epidemiological situation of the country of departure.

Travellers from regions classified red or grey, or non-EU countries are strongly advised to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arrival to Ireland, unless travelling for a designated essential function or need.

In response to the elevated risk posed by new variants of concern, extra precautions have been introduced for all travellers arriving from Great Britain, South Africa and South America. These travellers are strongly advised to self-isolate for a full 14 days upon arrival and to contact a GP to arrange for a free PCR test no sooner than 5 days after arrival. The test will assist with detecting the presence of new variants in Ireland. Regardless of the result of the test, passengers who have travelled from Great Britain, South Africa or Brazil should continue to isolate for full 14 day period.

Close consideration is given by Government to travel policy informed by the international epidemiological situation and by public health advice.