On the 13th of October, the European Union’s much-anticipated Traffic Light system for restarting international travel amongst member states was finalised. It’s now up to individual countries to decide how they will implement it in their respective countries. In Ireland, it will come into effect on the 8th of November.

Since being announced, this new system has come under criticism by those in the travel and aviation industries as the situation across Europe is so changeable. 

What is the traffic light system?

The traffic light system is based on incidence rates and the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests. This is how it’s broken down:

  • Green: If the 14-day notification rate is lower than 25 and the test positivity rate below 4%
  • Orange: If the 14-day notification rate is lower than 50 but the test positivity rate is 4% or higher. Or, if the 14-day notification rate is between 25 and150 and the test positivity rate is below 4%
  • Red: If the 14-day notification rate is 50 or higher and the test positivity rate is 4% or higher. Or, if the 14-day notification rate is higher than 150
  • Grey: If there is insufficient information or if the testing rate is lower than 300

Currently, under the traffic light system, no EU country is considered green as a second wave of COVID-19 is affecting many of the member states. You can see the most recent ‘traffic light’ maps of Europe here. Across the board, people travelling from and to countries listed as ‘green’ don’t have to restrict their movements upon arrival. Those listed as orange may require a COVID-19 test or may have to restrict their movements upon arrival. If you have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the 72hrs before departure, you may not need to quarantine upon arrival to an orange or red country. 

Why is there criticism of the Traffic Light System?

While the traffic light system is a positive step in that it’s a coordinated, pan-European approach to restarting travel, it doesn’t account for how changeable the epidemiological situation is. The incidence rates and positivity rates can increase so quickly that those wishing to travel, or that have booked a trip, don’t have a sense of security. 

To make the traffic light system a more effective and viable solution, pre-departure testing should be compulsory at airports throughout Europe. By introducing this, holidaymakers can be confident that there’s no risk of contracting COVID-19 in either the airport or on the flight. 

Is pre-departure testing available at Irish airports?

No, not yet. Currently, the only test validated in Ireland is the PCR test, which requires laboratory analysis. 

The National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) is undergoing the validation process for LAMP testing. The LAMP test requires a throat and nose swab, giving results in under an hour. This will hopefully be validated to align with Ireland’s adoption of the traffic light system on November 8th. 

Dalton Philips, CEO of the DAA, stated there is the capacity to do up to 15,000 (rapid antigen) tests a day at Cork and Dublin airports. By introducing pre-departure testing, holidaymakers can feel both safe when boarding their flight and confident in planning and booking holidays.

You can read about how rapid testing is being trialled at international airports here.