The first phase of the Government’s roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions begins today.
Outdoor workers, including constructions workers, landscapers and gardeners are returning to work with hardware stores, DIY shops and garden centres reopening their doors.
Car and bike repair shops are also reopening, alongside IT and phone shops, office suppliers and electrical stores.
Optometrists and hearing aid testing service have also been given the green light.
Ireland moves to Phase 1 Reopening.
Here are the 5 main things you need to know about phase 1 of the reopening of Ireland, beginning on 18th May.
Full details of what is to happen on phase 1 are at https://t.co/VEaxCeKNdH #IrelandPhase1#InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/iIkbgLte7r
— MerrionStreet.ie #StayAtHome (@merrionstreet) May 16, 2020
The Government said people should only visit the newly reopened shops for essential supplies.
Businesses must follow the new Return to Work Safely Protocol and the Health and Safety Authority is to carry out inspection to ensure they are being followed.
Inspectors will work with businesses by offering advice and issuing warnings; however, they also have the power to close businesses that repeatedly fail to observe the guidelines.
They are being encouraged to provide online services where possible.
The first of the golfers are out this morning at @NaasGC Real sense of excitement at finally being back. pic.twitter.com/uxcyYkslw1
— Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) May 18, 2020
Groups of up to four people are now allowed to meet outdoors, provided they follow social distancing guidelines.
Meanwhile, tennis courts and golf courses are reopening – however, only to members who live within the 5km radius.
Small outdoor fitness classes are also allowed and some public beauty spots like beaches and mountain walks will reopen.
The Government roadmap for easing restrictions
People are still being advised to stay at home as much as possible – with anyone who can work from home advised to do so.
Last night, the Department of Health announced ten more coronavirus-related deaths, taking the national death toll to 1,543.
Sixty-four new cases were also confirmed – the lowest daily increase since St Patrick’s Day.
HSE Clinical Lead Dr Colm Henry said health authorities have to proceed with extreme caution – and warned that the virus reproduction number could rise quickly – warning that it would take a week for the increase to be reflected in the numbers.
Speaking after signing off on the plan on Friday, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said people should remain at home except for in these five situations:
- To go to work if your workplace is open and you can’t work from home
- To shop for items you need
- To exercise with 5km of your home
- For medical reasons or to care for others
- To meet friends or family outdoors in groups of no more than four
Everyone over the age of 13 is now being advised to wear face coverings in situations where it is difficult to practice proper social distancing – such as in shops or on public transport.
The coverings are not mandatory and officials have warned that anyone not wearing a mask should not be criticised or judged.
Image via Combat COVID Masks / GoFundMeChief Medical Officer Tony Holohan warned that the coverings are by no means a “magic bullet” for the virus – and said they should only be used alongside standard public health measures.
Meanwhile, those who are returning to work for the first time today have been reminded to close their Pandemic Unemployment Support payment.
The Department of Social Protection said people returning later this week or next week, should cancel the payment on the day they return to work.
