Some changes come into effect today.
A phased easing of Level 5 restrictions is set to begin across Ireland today (12 April) and will continue over the coming weeks.
Ireland has been in a Level 5 lockdown for more than 100 days and today marks the first major steps at emerging from the restrictions.
Schools will return today for all children while the 5km limit is also being shifted to anywhere within your county or up to 20km from your home if you’re crossing county borders.
From today (12 April)
- Schools: In-school teaching will fully return. Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services will be added to list of essential services for construction activity during these restrictions.
- Meeting other households: You can meet one other household outside but not in your garden or theirs, for social or recreational purposes. Any meetings outdoors should be safe with continued practising of social distancing and other safe behaviours. Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces
- Travel: You can travel within your county or within 20km of your home if crossing county boundaries.
- Construction: All residential construction can restart as well as early-learning and childcare projects.
On Sunday, 303 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland along with two further deaths. This was the lowest number of daily cases since the middle of December last year.
In a statement, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there are many reasons for hope as we move into the new week but warned for continued caution over the coming weeks.
He urged people to continue to work from home if possible, avoid mixing indoors with other families and if you’re mixing outdoors to watch your distance. If you are displaying symptoms you’re urged to isolate and contact your GP in order to arrange a Covid-19 test.
