Diaspora facing dilemma on coming home for Christmas

The state has not outright banned citizens living abroad from travelling home this Christmas – but its pleading suggestions leave ex-pats in a bind

A Christmas homecoming at Dublin Airport in 2016: the scene is likely to be different this year Picture: RollingNews.ie

Sarah, 30, from New York, asked for her name to be changed because she fears the stigma associated with her confession – she wants to come home to see her mother for Christmas.

“I just can't have the neighbours talking about it,” she said.

Sarah has booked a flight and plans to get tested before her return, meeting only her immediate family and returning to New York once her two weeks of quarantine is up.