Republic Of Ireland Enters Level 3 Lockdown
The Irish government has decided to bring the Republic of Ireland into Level 3 of its Resilience and Recovery Plan for Living with COVID-19, following a spike in the numbers of confirmed cases and also the high numbers being admitted into hospital. This follows the National Public Health Emergency Team's (NPHET)called to bring the country to Level 5 a much stricter lockdown. The Counties of Donegal and Dublin have been at level 3 for the last few weeks. The Republic of Ireland will enter Level 3 at Midnight on Tuesday, the 6th of October.
In its letter to the Minister for Health calling for the introduction of Level 5 NPHET said "it is therefore recommended that the Government apply Level 5 measures across the country from midnight Monday 5 October for a period of four weeks."
An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin TD, said tonight "If we act now we can stop the need to go further to level 4 and 5. What happens next rests in our own hands."
Details of level 3
People are asked to remain in their county (that is, they must not leave their county to travel either domestically or internationally), with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes. People are urged to work from home.
Level 3 limits the number of people that can visit your home or garden, with a maximum of six visitor from one other household. No family or social gatherings can take place in other settings.
Vulnerable people
Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others.
Family Events and Religious Services
No more than 25 people may attend a wedding or funeral. All religious services go online. Visits to Long-term residential care facilities are suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
Indoor
No organised indoor gatherings can take place, no exercise or dance classes, all museums and galleries and cultural attractions are closed.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants may only provide takeaway, outdoor dining and deliveries, while pubs not serving food, nightclubs and casinos are closed.
Visits to nursing and care homes are suspended, except for critical and compassionate circumstances.
Gyms and other venues may open with protective measures but only for individual training.
Outdoor
Organised outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place.
No matches and events can take place, with exemptions for GAA and professional sports, all of which will be behind closed doors.
Playgrounds and parks remain open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn on public transport. Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%. With Essential workers and essential purposes being given preferential treatment. People are asked to walk or cycle where possible.