International students trusted to abide by rules

Galway’s two biggest third level colleges will be relying on international students to voluntarily restrict their movements from the start of the new academic year – with no check-ups or additional testing planned for those arriving from Covid-19 hotspots.

Students from non-green listed countries who accept a place are required to complete an online symptom tracker for 14 days before departure for Ireland. They are urged not to travel here until they have been symptom-free for at least 14 days prior to departure.

They will be provided free transport from the airport to their accommodation, which they have to book before arrival and where they are able to restrict their movements for 14 days. It is mandatory that they use this transport provided by the institution and not opt for public transport.

NUIG has set aside some of its own on-campus accommodation for international students for their first 14 in days the country which will be free of charge. If these are booked up, they have a list of hotels offering special rates – the cheapest is the Maldron Hotel on the Headford Road which is charging a room-only rate from €45 a day.

Students have been advised that this period of ‘restricted movement’ means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

For full story – and Covid-19 coverage – see this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in all shops now. Or download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie