Further easing of restrictions in Ireland is expected from the first week of May; hospitality and hairdressing sectors are highly optimistic
DUBLIN: The restrictions in Ireland are expected to be eased significantly from May. The hospitality and hairdressing sectors are hopeful that they will be able to restart next month, but there is still a question mark. However, it all depends on how COVID-19 case numbers persist in Ireland and the progress of vaccination in the country.
If the daily reporting COVID-19 case numbers continue to fall in the coming weeks, and vaccine administration rises, we can expect a full-fledged easing of restrictions.
All residential construction, as well as early learning and childcare projects, resumed from yesterday. Almost 60,000 employees have signed up for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), as most construction activities were halted since January 8 due to the pandemic. However, it is estimated that about 20,000 construction workers returned to work yesterday.
However, according to the latest government announcement, non-essential retail and personal services are likely to return in phases from May, as well as reopening of museums, galleries, and libraries.
It is currently unclear whether outdoor dining will be allowed in pubs and restaurants. It remains to be seen whether in-store browsing is also allowed.
According to the government announcement, a complete resumption of construction activity across the country is expected from May 4. Residential construction and childcare projects resumed from yesterday, but the fact that only a few projects can be resumed is frustrating for the sector.
The government had earlier said it would allow a phased return to non-essential retail in the first week of May. Click and collect and outdoor retail, such as garden centres/nurseries will be the first to open.
Phased reopening of all personal services, including hairdressers are expected from May first week, but only those who have been vaccinated are likely to be allowed at first.
Museums, galleries, and libraries will reopen on May 4 with social distancing measures in effect, as well as other health guidelines.
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