Travellers arriving in Northern Ireland from six African countries will have to enter quarantine following the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant.
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini will be added to the red list.
The suspension comes into effect from Friday.
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said it is a matter of concern.
“We are taking the action on international travel on a precautionary basis, while we await further evidence on the spread of this variant in South Africa and understand more about it.
“The need for further measures will be kept under constant review and we will continue to liaise closely with public health colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
“I would also urge the public to be cautious. All variants of the COVID-19 virus spread in the same way – through contact between people,” he said.
He said it is not possible at this stage to accurately assess the potential for this new variant to impact on vaccine effectiveness.
“This should in no way dissuade people from coming forward for their first and second doses and boosters. The Delta variant is currently dominant in Northern Ireland and the threat it poses to our citizens is very real. Thankfully, our vaccines provide a good level of protection against Delta and continue to represent our strongest line of defence against the virus,” he added.
