The Health Service Executive's Chief Clinical Officer has said the new advice for all arrivals from Britain since 8 December to self-isolate is "painful" but necessary.
Dr Colm Henry said the 14-day isolation advice means that anyone who came to Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales from 11 December onwards should eat Christmas dinner alone in their room.
This follows the decision by the HSE yesterday to upgrade restriction requirements for people entering Ireland from Britain with the new strain of the virus raising fears of increased transmission.
Around 30,000 people have travelled to Ireland from Britain since 8 December. Dr Henry said there will be enhanced surveillance of these passengers who will be contacted and advised of the