THE suspension of travel exemptions for journalists was branded “disappointing” by the National Union of Journalists today.

The government announced the suspension of travel corridors and the tightening of the list of exemptions from quarantine for at least one month from this week, in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “This disappointing decision will make it harder for journalists whose work involves crossing borders and impede their ability to report on this global health pandemic.

“The union worked hard to convince the authorities to include journalists on the list of exemptions, and we hope there will be a resumption of the exemption at the earliest possibility. 

“The ability of journalists to report during this unprecedented time is more important than ever.”

As of 4am yesterday, all international arrivals who departed from or travelled through any country outside the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days will be required to both take a pre-departure test and self-isolate immediately for 10 days on arrival.

The new measures will be reviewed on February 15.