AQW 11603/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with the Minister for Infrastructure concerning the implementation of Test to Release for International Travel scheme in Northern Ireland.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 4 December 2020
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 4 December 2020
- Answer due by
- 9 December 2020
- Answered
- 19 August 2021258 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative that was introduced in England only in December 2020.
At that time there were no plans to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supported a full 10 day self-isolation period and this remains the case. The recent introduction of travel restriction relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.