“The biggest concern is the quarantine. A friend of mine said to me that she wanted to go home and visit family, and I told her how she would have to quarantine for 14 days. She said to me that she only wanted to go for 14 days,” she said.“I was looking forward to going home. I was looking forward to the All-Ireland Fleadh. I mostly miss my family. But I would rather co-operate with what’s happening in the country; others will have different views.
John O’Connor, who works with the Irish Pensioners Forum of East London, said for the 200 members of the forum, travelling abroad is the last thing they are thinking about. “People are genuinely very nervous of travelling. The age range of our members is between 65 or 70 to over 90, so we’re to stay inside, we can’t even go out for a walk,” Mr O’Connor said. “Travelling back to Ireland is the last thing on their mind. They’re more concerned about staying safe and healthy.”, believes there could be an increase in Irish people visiting home this summer, depending on the rate at which tourism facilities re-open.
“I’m torn between wanting to see her and the fear of bringing something from London to Belfast. I haven’t been back since Christmas and normally I’m back every three months,” he said. “It’s a big issue for a lot of Irish people, particularly for those who have older relatives who may or may not be sick.”