Travellers from Brazil urged to get tested and avoid contact with others

The recommendation has come in response to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) listing a new virus variant originating in Brazil. A variant originating in the UK and another originating in South Africa have already been listed.

Therefore, the Public Health Agency is urging travellers from Brazil, the UK and South Africa to stay at home for at least seven days and avoid contact with others as far as possible. They are also encouraged to get tested as soon as possible after arrival with a follow-up test five days after arrival. Others in the household should also remain at home while waiting for the test result.

Much remains unknown about the new virus variants, and research is underway to find out if they are more contagious.