A dramatic turn for tourism in Ireland. While the government had announced plans to lift its quarantine starting July 9, the State has now reconsidered and decided to extend it. Their statement: Ireland needs more time to solidify its strategy… and fears a possible second wave triggered by the massive arrival of European travelers. Indeed, Ireland plans to provide an update on this matter by July 20, once again leaving foreign travelers in complete uncertainty.
The Government Remains Silent on Travel Reopening
Irish Residents Urged Not to Leave the Island This Summer
Overcautious or a reasoned analysis of the situation? Ireland seems to struggle with making a clear decision regarding its travel reopening strategy. Irish citizens, European travelers, and the tourism sector are all bearing the consequences.
As a result, everyone is left in total uncertainty: will it be possible to travel to Ireland this summer? Will the Irish be able to fly to European destinations? These are questions the government refuses to answer clearly.
Opinions are divided within Ireland.
Many Irish doctors are riding the wave of doubt, caution, and fear. Their statements are everywhere in the media:
We advise Irish people not to travel to Europe this summer for holidays. Avoid non-essential travel and protect your health and that of the country. Everyone must act responsibly to prevent a second wave.
These messages add to the fear of welcoming foreign travelers into Ireland. The initial figures speak for themselves: some Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Ireland following the arrival of travelers from the US, Sweden, and Germany. Although these are very few cases (all identified, controlled, and isolated), they add to the government’s confusion about making an official decision.
It must be admitted that the issue is thorny: the government seems torn between the desire to revive its economy, currently struggling, and the wish to barricade the country to protect it from a second wave.
A choice without compromise… where the State seems unwilling to bridge the gap between these two options.
On the tourism side, airlines, tourist sites, and hotels are becoming increasingly urgent:
It is urgent to make a decision, to set a deadline. This silence is killing us slowly!
A complicated situation that threatens thousands of jobs and is already plunging Ireland into an economic recession unlike any in its history.
So, all that remains is to wait. An answer is expected by July 20, 2020… if all goes well.
