Michael O'Leary labels quarantine measures 'political game playing'
by James CoxRyanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called for "ineffective quarantine measures" to be scrapped, adding that he believes Irish people can safely "go back flying" from July by wearing face masks.
O'Leary said that the quarantine due to be imposed tomorrow at airports and ports is "simply political game playing".
He also said Ireland is emerging more slowly from the coronavirus crisis than other European countries.
Starting tomorrow, people arriving in Ireland from any other country will be required to fill in a form called the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form by law. This form will include details on where they can be contacted.
They will also be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said it is "tricky, legally" to make it mandatory to self-isolate.
While admitting that the measures are extraordinary, Harris said they are necessary due to the global crisis.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, O'Leary said Ryanair will be flying to Spain, Italy and other European destinations from July 1.
The airline has made this decision based on advice from he European Centre for Disease Control and the European Safety Agency.
Both organisations have supported the resumption of the airline business with the use of face masks.
O'Leary praised the work of the Government and health authorities in terms of suppressing the virus in Ireland, but added that "advisers advise and politicians decide and it is time to decide and to get the economy going".
O'Leary claimed the quarantine measures have "no basis in health measures and no basis in science", adding that people can fly "in perfect safety fully supported by the ECDC and the European Safety Agency".
He said: “Ireland has been one of the best EU countries in tackling and defeating the COVID-19 virus, and our people should not be penalised by having the most stringent EU lockdown restrictions, which are unnecessary given Ireland’s impressive COVID-19 record.”
O'Leary added:“This impressive record by our Government and health services is not reflected in our overly stringent lockdown measures.”