Irish Government Puts Ireland In Strict Lockdown
The Irish Government have put the country into its highest level of lockdown. Ireland now enters Level 5 of the plan for living with COVID-19. As of Midnight on Wednesday the 19th of October, 2020, the Republic of Ireland will be placed in lockdown following the highest levels of confirmed COVID-19 cases since lockdown began. The restrictions will remain in place for a period of six weeks until the 1st of December, 2020. No evictions will take place during these six weeks and both the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Employee Wage Subsidy Schemes will be amend to reflect the challenges that the public now faces during the next six weeks.
An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, said today "In the effort to suppress the virus we have already introduced what is probably Europe’s strictest regime....NPHET has been clear on what it believes is needed. I would like to thank Dr Tony Holohan, Dr Ronan Glynn and their colleagues for that clarity....The days are getting shorter and colder. But I ask you to remember this. Even as the winter comes in, there is hope. And there is light. If we pull hard together over the next six weeks, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way."
Level 5 restrictions include: -
Schools and childcare services are to remain open. Only essential businesses and services remain open.
Level 5 prohibits visitors to your home or garden. No family or social gatherings can take place in other settings. Only meet with one other household in an outdoor setting.
Domestic Travel Restrictions
Stay within 5km of your home. Penalties will apply, with exemptions for travel to work if it is an essential service, attending medical appointment, collecting medicinces, vital family reasons, farming purposes and to visit a grave.
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 6 people may attend a wedding. No more than 10 people may attend a 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 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, swimming pools and other venues are closed.
Outdoor
No organised outdoor gatherings 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. Non-contact training can continue for school aged children in pods of 15.
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 25%. With Essential workers and essential purposes being given preferential treatment. People are asked to walk or cycle where possible and to avoid public transport.