International traveller testing at airports to be discussed today by NI Executive

The proposals have been submitted by Health Minister Robin Swann, according the BBC.

Last week, Mr Swann said he had agreed “in principle” to the move, but details were being worked out by officials.

People arriving from countries from countries not on the government’s travel corridors list will still have to self-isolate for 10 days.

The move has already been agreed in the Republic of Ireland, with passengers arriving there being subject to the new rules from Saturday.

Negative tests prior to arrival are already a requirement in the Republic of Ireland for passengers travelling from Great Britain and South Africa.

Today’s executive meeting will also see ministers get the latest assessment of the coronavirus situation in Northern Ireland.

Ministers have said they are “heartened” that the lockdown appears to be working, with NI’s R-number having fallen significantly since measures were introduced after Christmas.

However, the lag time between infections and hospital admissions means that the health service is expected to face sustained pressures for the rest of the month.

On Wednesday, health officials warned that levels of the new, more transmissible variant of the virus are rising.

And Mr Swann has warned that more “difficult decisions” on lockdown restrictions could be required.

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