From July 19, Ireland reopens to international tourism

Micheál Martin, Ireland's prime minister, has announced several measures that will lead to a gradual reopening of the entire territory. Among the dates to be circled in red are. July 19, day identified for the return of international tourism. You will be able to get to Ireland, but only because of the European Union digital green pass.

Ireland's plan to reopen to tourism

The Ireland's reopening plan started on June 2 with the opening of all hotels. From June 7, outdoor service for restaurants and pubs will return. On the same day, cinemas and gyms will also finally be able to reopen. The prime minister also predicted that pubs and restaurants could resume indoor service from July 5. Finally, international travel will resume on July 19 through the Digital Covid EU Certificate. The European green pass will show whether tourists have been vaccinated or are negative for the Covid-19 test or are cured of the disease. Ireland currently has the strictest travel limits in the EU. The government advises citizens against nonessential travel and imposes fines on people heading to airports to go on vacation. It also imposes a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine for those arriving from certain countries (the list is of about 50 states).

Under the Irish plan, unvaccinated children between the ages of 7 and 18 must have a negative coronavirus test before entering the country. Passengers with valid proof of vaccination can travel freely, provided the countries they come from are not considered to be at high risk of spreading variants. Unvaccinated travelers outside the EU must arrive with a negative test and place themselves in self-quarantine until they take a second test. The approach for traveling outside the European Economic Area will apply to neighboring Britain and the United States, the two largest markets for tourists in Ireland.

The prime minister's words and fear of variants

The government also approved a plan to allow spectators to attend a series of sports events and music concerts in June and July. However, these are events organized on an experimental basis. This series of initiatives will then allow Ireland to return to normalcy. Restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and other close-knit services have been closed since Christmas Eve.

In a speech to the nation, Martin said that the strategy to combat Covid-19 is working and that "the end is within our grasp". The prime minister said, "This is an important moment for all of us. After the trauma of the past 15 months, we are finally taking decisive steps to enjoy normal times with friends and loved ones again. We are almost back to a point where we can enjoy ordinary and extraordinary times in our lives, and the excitement and relief are palpable." However, the Irish government is monitoring very closely the impact the different variants will have on the spread of the virus, particularly the Indian variant that is causing concern.

Why Ireland reopens

The announcement of a further gradual easing of the blockade comes 24 hours after Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly indicated that the country will have difficulty meeting its vaccination targets. It was hoped that over 80% of adults would receive their first dose and 55% their second by the end of June, but-as reported by the government-there are supply problems with Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines. Despite the difficulties, the decision was made to reopen partly because the cases appear stable and there is optimism for the future. Ireland's Health Minister confirmed the government's choice. Indeed, he stated, "Yes, we are behind due to factors beyond our control, but not so much that we are changing our decisions today."

According to the planned schedule, From July 19, non-essential travel will also resume, while from August 5 the number of people allowed to participate in events will further increase.

• summer 2021