WHO's Covid-19 envoy urges caution over travel

The World Health Organization's Special Envoy on Covid-19 said if people are in doubt about travelling abroad then they should not go.

Dr David Nabarro said it is better to be cautious than be exposed to a threat as the consequences "are just so terrible if things go wrong". 

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sarah McInerney, Dr Nabarro said the issue of travel is challenging.

"What you don't want to do is go somewhere and get sick and be in a healthcare system you don't know."

He said understanding the level of disease and the performance of the response mechanisms is really important and people should not to get too alarmed over the fact that there is disagreement over travel at the moment.

He said while airlines want to restart as they are losing money, people need to be sure they are not exposing themselves to an extra threat.

"It will take time but we want to check the risk experience [where you are going to] is the same as the risk [of] where you are coming from."

He urged people to continue to take the virus seriously and not let it get the upper hand.

He said the most effective way to get life to return to some normality is to be able to defend against it and be in a "constant state of defence".

"All of this is doable...things will go wrong if we get complacent," he said.

Dr Nabarro extended his best wishes to Chief Medical Officer Dr Holohan, following his announcement yesterday that he is stepping aside from the role to care for his wife and children. 

"I just want to give massive shout out and thank him for his service, which is extraordinary."

Meanwhile, the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 is to discuss are range of issues, including the re-opening of schools and restrictions on foreign travel.

Decisions on them are not expected until a full Cabinet meeting next week.