Border ‘buffer zone suggested to prevent Covid 19 spread between North and South

The measure was one of a number put forward by the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group, a group of scientists, academics, and researchers, who are advocating for a ‘zero Covid’ strategy’ for the island of Ireland.

According to reports, the group has suggested implementing ‘red zones’ in border counties such as Donegal, which would require residents near high Covid areas to stay within their county or a 5km radius if required, with exceptions only for essential workers or those who need medical assistance.

A ‘red zone’ of high infection would be surrounded by the buffer zone, where residents could move within 10km to 30km, dependent on the level of infection. Gardai would regulate the movement in and out of ‘red zones’ through a system of permits.

One of the recommendations, according to reports, is that if a car with a Northern Ireland licence plate is seen outside of border counties,a fine should be considered. It is also recommended that people from Northern Ireland working in areas such as Dublin would be quarantined in a hotel for a number of days before attending work.

The Cabinet’s sub-committee on Covid 19 in the South is meeting today to discuss stricter travel restrictions.