There are growing fears that surging Covid cases could ruin Irish people's summer holidays.
While the Irish Government has signalled that it's unlikely to reintroduce coronavirus curbs this summer, other countries may bring in measures or tests for foreign tourists - including those from Ireland.
Irish infections are surging, fuelled by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants, while cases are also climbing on the Continent.
TV doctor Hilary Jones warned: “There are large numbers of cases in Italy at the moment.
“They could say, ‘Right you’re going to need a Covid pass, you’re going to need proof of vaccination or recent infection’ or, ‘You’re going to need a test before you travel’.
“I would say to people who are travelling - look at the foreign travel advice for that country, see if you need a test before you fly and see if your Covid pass works.”
British politician Layla Moran told the Mirror UK she feared climbing infection rates may hamper sunshine escapes.
She said top holiday destinations spooked by a fresh spike could slap curbs and testing requirements on tourists desperate for a foreign break.
Staff shortages triggered by self-isolating travel and aviation workers could also scupper plans.
Ms Moran said: “It is possible that holiday plans will be ruined due to rising Covid rates.
“Other countries could reintroduce restrictions on arrivals and transport companies, already in crisis, are likely to see an increase in staff shortages with more people off sick with the virus and Long Covid.”
Cases are rising overseas, including in sunshine destinations popular with Irish holidaymakers.
Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias has recommended people wear face masks in indoor public settings as Covid cases and hospitalisations surge.
She urged “caution” and “responsible mask usage”.
As of Tuesday morning, there are 885 people in Irish hospitals with Covid, of which 33 are in ICU.
Latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show 10,435 weekly confirmed Covid cases - an increase of 52.6% compared to the previous week.
A spokesperson said: "The current increased circulation of Covid is due to the spread of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sublineages, which are replacing the previous dominant Omicron variant BA.2. Laboratory results indicated that in week 24, 77% of specimens were likely to be BA.4/BA.5 based on PCR screening.
"Similar increasing trends are being seen in several other countries across Europe as BA.4 and BA.5 become the dominant variants in circulation. This is likely due to their ability to evade immune protection caused by prior infection and/or vaccination, particularly if this immunity has waned over time."
BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible than other strains and can evade immune protection built up by vaccines or previous infections.
But there is “currently no indication” they cause more serious illness than earlier variants, the HSPC said.
Professor Tim Spector, of the ZOE Covid symptom study app, has warned that large summer events such as last month’s Glastonbury Festival could “potentially have a big effect” on infection rates.
“Events like Glastonbury will drive up cases but the question is how much do they account for,” he said.
People are being encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the latest public health advice.
The HSPC said: "If you have any symptoms of Covid, even mild ones, you should self-isolate (stay in your room) until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone, regardless of the result of an antigen test. Certain groups of people with symptoms should get a Covid test.
"Completing your Covid vaccination, including booster doses, will reduce the risk of getting severely ill from Covid."
READ NEXT:
- Mother of Jack Keating responds after some nasty comments from Love Island viewers
- Woman discovers 'game-changing' button at petrol pump that fills exact amount of fuel
- Gerry Ryan's Dublin family home finally sold two years on for over €400,000 less than initial asking price
- Ryanair luggage rules: Irishwoman finds cheap Dealz item to 'get away with' not paying extra for bag
- Seven reasons why some people have never caught Covid, according to an expert
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter .
