Dozens of Irish tourists and backpackers stranded in Peru are now set to be repatriated after a diplomatic breakthrough.
Land and air borders are shut there after a state of emergency was declared as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
After negotiations between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Peruvian government, diplomatic clearance has now been given for a repatriation flight back to Ireland in the next few days.
The state of emergency declared in Peru has seen a number of Irish citizens trapped in the country for around two weeks.
A curfew is also in effect in the country between 8pm and 5am, with police patrolling the streets.
An Irish citizen is in lockdown in a hostel in the city of Coscu where two other other guests have tested positive.
We are aware of the 2 cases of coronavirus confirmed in a hostel in Cusco in Peru. Neither of the people with positive tests are Irish citizens. Our Ambassador spoke today with the one Irish citizen staying at the same hostel and they will remain in contact over the coming days.
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrlEmbChile) March 25, 2020
Vet Lorna Moore was one of the Irish citizens waiting for news of a flight home.
She said the person on lockdown has said they may have to stay in the hostel for anywhere from one to three months.
She explained: "What they have been told is that the hostel is in complete lockdown.
"There are police at the front door, and they're not allowed out at all.
"They're testing anyone with symptoms to see if anyone else in the hostel may have contracted [the virus]."
Meanwhile seats have been secured for Irish people who wish to return home from Australia.
Services will operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane between Saturday and Tuesday.
The Irish embassy in Australia says the flights are operated by Qatar Airways and will cost €1,740.
The Government of Ireland @dfatirl has secured seats for those citizens wishing to return home. Please contact @HannonTravel directly ASAP to secure your flight. We continue to work with airlines to make other flights available Slán Abhaile 🇮🇪 @dfatravelwise @EUinAus pic.twitter.com/B2ElTgcMGq
— IrlEmbassyAustralia (@irlembaustralia) March 27, 2020
Additional reporting: Jack Quann
