People arriving in Northern Ireland who plan to stay for at least 24 hours must self-isolate for 10 days, according to new restrictions issued by the Stormont executive.
In a paper released today, a week-long "stay at home curfew" from 8pm to 6am each night is also detailed with exceptions being in place for "specifically defined purposes".
However, people who routinely cross the border for essential purposes will not be subject to the restrictions.
The paper says essential travel is allowed during that week, which includes but is not restricted to:
- returning home, if you are away from your permanent place of residence
- work, where you cannot work from home
- accessing health and social care services
- accessing critical services including education, childcare, or services to victims
- fulfilling essential caring responsibilities
- buying essential goods or services within your local area
- attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services
- fulfilling a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions, or participating in legal proceedings
- to provide emergency response services
On Sunday, the Executive agreed to reduce the five day Christmas bubbling arrangements in the north to just one day.
Previously, a six-week lockdown beginning at 12.01am on Boxing Day was agreed with the measure being reviewed after four weeks.
Politicians have debated how to handle the spread of Covid-19, including a new variant which appears to have originated in England.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill yesterday propsed an island-wide travel shutout and called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to pursue a joined-up travel policy with the Stormont executive to prevent travel between Britain and Ireland.
At an emergency executive meeting on Monday night, a Sinn Féin proposal to introduce a travel ban from Britain was voted down.
Ministers instead issued guidance advising against non-essential travel between Northern Ireland and both Britain and the Republic.
