The government has been accused of ‘dithering’ on providing clarity on the rules concerning tourists coming into Ireland.
It follows concern in recent days over the number of tourists visiting the country, particularly from the US where cases are increasing.
NPHET is meeting today to discuss COVID-19 cases being imported through travel.
As the National Public Health Emergency Team meets to discuss air travel into the country, there are many calling for the government to step up how it is handling the influx of tourists into the country.
There have been several reports from restauranteurs, hoteliers, Air BnB hosts and tour guides in Clare and elsewhere who have turned away American tourists who had not self-isolated for the mandatory 14 days.
In some cases, the visitors were completely unaware of that requirement.
Simon Haden, Owner of Gregan’s Castle Hotel in Ballyvaughan, turned away two visitors from Denver after they had tried to book in for dinner, without being aware of the quarantine rule.
He says too much pressure is being placed on businesses, and he believes the government has been far too indecisive to date.
While there have been increased calls to force people into quarantine when they arrive rather than asking them, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar says a mandatory quarantine for people when they come into Ireland isn’t legal or practical.
