Big changes.

A number of countries look set to be added to the list of high-risk countries from which travellers into Ireland must undertake a mandatory hotel quarantine. The list looks set to be expanded, with some reports suggesting 43 countries are currently being considered for addition. The Irish Independent reported the US, Germany, France and Italy are among those which will be recommended to be added to the list. A decision on the new additions is expected to be made in the coming days. As part of the mandatory hotel quarantine, passengers arriving into Ireland from designated countries are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay. Any expansion will need to take into account capacity issues. If a country with high levels of travel into Ireland is included on the list, it could cause issues with the number of rooms available in the hotels the State is utilising for quarantining. The Taoiseach is set to address the nation this evening regarding the current public health restrictions in place across Ireland. Among the changes being considered are a relaxing of the 5km travel limit, a return of outdoor sports where social distancing is possible, sports training for children, reopening construction and increasing the number of households that can meet outside. However, it is believed that any changes will be introduced on a phased basis with no timelines in place as of yet.