Ireland maintains restrictions as Covid variant spreads in UK

DUBLIN, Ireland: Even as Ireland moves towards ending Covid restrictions, the cabinet has approved a plan in which travelers arriving from Britain who are not vaccinated will have to self-isolate for ten days.

The plan further states that such people will have to receive a negative PCR test on day five and day ten before they can end their quarantine.

Additionally, those arriving from Britain who are vaccinated will still have to quarantine for five days and can resume normal activity only after receiving a clear PCR test.

The measure is set to go into effect within days.

Cabinet sources described the move as "a bridge" prior to Ireland reopening International travel on July 19.

Speaking on Monday, Taoiseach Michel Martin said the Government is continuing to monitor the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Also, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has delayed the easing of restrictions in England due to the spread of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India.

Experts in Britain have said the variant now accounts for 90 percent of Covid cases there.

"The broader picture is that the variant has increased in prevalence in the UK. I think it makes sense that we continue to monitor this, which we will take public health advice as we move along, but so far the reopening has gone well in Ireland," the Taoiseach told the media.