EU Travel Traffic Light System
EU TRAVEL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM
The New EU Travel System has come into effect but what difference if any, will it make to our travel arrangements for the rest of 2020?
WHAT IS IT?
A system of traffic light colour coding which has been adopted throughout most of Europe which will prescribe when people will be required to isolate when they travel.
This system has not changed the overall recommendation not to travel but is there to provide guidance to those who have to travel. The coding is done as follows:
Green: - 14-day incidence rate is below 25 per 100,000, and
Positivity rate is below 4%
Orange: - 14-day incidence rate is below 50 per 100,000, and
Positivity rate is above 4% OR
14-day incidence rate is below 150 per 100,000, and
Positivity rate is below 4%
Red: - 14-day incidence rate is above 150 per 100,000, and
Positivity rate is above 4%
WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS?
If you depart or come from a RED region, you must restrict movements for 14 days.
If you come to Ireland from an ORANGE region and you have proof of an approved negative PCR test which was taken three days before arrival, then there will be no restrictions.
If you come from a GREEN region you will not be restricted.
WHAT IF RATING CHANGES WHILST AWAY?
You will be governed by the status of the country you are leaving.
WHAT ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL?
This system does not extend to international travel with the recommendation being that it is still unsafe.
DOES THIS CHANGE ANY PRACTICES FOR EMPLOYERS?
The protocols remain the same as before.
Employees should be reminded of the return to work protocols and of the procedures when applying for annual leave to travel. Employers should remind all employees that when applying for annual leave employees will be questioned whether they intend to travel abroad.
Whilst the Company will take into account the need for rest and recreation of employees and to reconcile family responsibilities, employees should be made aware that annual leave requests will be considered on a case by case basis and may be refused in circumstances where the company is unable to accommodate any 14-day quarantine period.
It is recommended that employers, in advance of leave being sought or approved, advise the employee that they must produce the required evidence to support their status when they are returning to work, including evidence of arrival in Ireland.
It is important that everyone operates in line with these procedures as otherwise it may result in a resurgence of Covid 19 and further level 5 restrictions. It is everyone’s responsibility to comply with the protocols and by employers applying them properly it is encouraging all their workforce to do so as well.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE UPDATE OR ABOUT OUR SERVICES MAY BE OBTAINED
FROM:JOHN BARRY/TARA DALY/ HUGH HEGARTY AT TEL: 01 8870690
