AQW 21338/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/07/2021
Answered On Date: 02/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health why, according to the advice given on NI Direct, pre-departure COVID-19 tests are required from children aged 11 years and above who are entering Northern Ireland, while post-arrival tests are required from children five years and older.

Answer:

The testing requirements for arrivals into Northern Ireland who have been outside the Common Travel Area (UK, ROI, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) in the previous 10 days are laid down in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.

Further information on testing requirements is available on NI Direct at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice

The international travel testing policy implemented in Northern Ireland is in line with that in UK Government. The policy decisions on testing, including age requirements, were based on public health advice in relation to the purpose of that particular testing regime.