AQW 21338/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
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.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 2 July 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 2 July 2021
- Answer due by
- 21 July 2021
- Answered
- 2 September 202162 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
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.