Two of three people who fled mandatory Dublin hotel quarantine return – but one still at large

TWO OF the three people who sparked a Dublin manhunt after escaping mandatory hotel quarantine just a day after entering the country have returned. 

Under the quarantine rules that came into effect from Friday, March 27th, travellers arriving from one of 33 countries deemed high risk must quarantine for 12 nights in a designated hotel. 

However, just a day later, three people were found to have left the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry near Dublin Airport. 

While Defence Forces and private security guards were on site to monitor facilities, they did not have the power to stop anyone leaving. 

Despite this, it is now a criminal offence for anyone to break quarantine rules with those found in breach facing a fine of up to €2,000, a month in prison or potentially both.  

Gardai were called in following the three abscondments. 

While two of the three offenders have since returned to the Crowne Plaza.  

The search for the third missing person is ongoing. 

These quarantine rules apply to anyone arriving from one of the 33 high risk countries as well as anyone who arrives without a negative PCR test for Covid-19. 

Anyone who has undertaken a PCR test must also ensure it is carried out no more than 72 hours before they arrive in Ireland. 

Under the system, new arrivals must pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and to pre-pay for their stay with the cost per adult for the 12-night stay inclusive of all services set at €1,875. 

Any stay can be reduced if an individual receives a negative test for the virus after 10 days of quarantine.