Traveling in Northern Ireland: More countries have been added to the international red list due to the new omicron variant

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A number of countries have been added to the Northern Ireland International Travel Red List due to the emerging threat from the novel coronavirus variant.

Malawi and Mozambique will be added to the Middle East Red List from 4pm on November 26, while Angola and Zambia will be included from 4am on November 28.

They join the following countries already on the Red List:

South Africa Botswana Namibia Zimbabwe Lesotho Eswatini

The Department of Health is communicating closely with its counterparts in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and says these measures have been taken in response to the emerging threat from the new variant omicron (B.1.1.529).

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Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “The emergence of the omicron variant is a serious and worrisome development after the extreme stresses we have already faced during the Covid-19 pandemic so far.

“While it is very likely that there will be variable cases in NI at some point, it is necessary to take preventive measures to delay and/or reduce its incursion. This is a rapidly developing situation with the possibility that more countries will need to be added to the Red List in the coming days.”

Dr. McBride concluded: “It’s really important that everyone take reasonable precautions – get a PCR test if you have symptoms. Isolate yourself when asked and wear your face covering. Remember to ventilate rooms and please get vaccinated and boosters as soon as possible.”

The Department of Health intends to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK in PCR testing and self-isolation requirements for new arrivals.

More information about international travel on NIDirect can be found at Travel Tips and Advice | nidirect

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