DUBLIN: The government will be lifting further COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland from today. Two weeks ago, the 5 km travel limit was lifted. However, under the new exemptions, citizens are now permitted to travel within their own county.
The government wants to allow Ireland to fully open before summer. The Taoiseach said that this year’s summer activities would be held outdoors. He mentioned that the government intends to reopen places of worship as well as cultural events. Mr. Martin also said that the government wants to avoid “stop-start” closures and that “anything we open now, we want to keep open.”
He said retail sales, hairdressers, religious services and sports training for adults would also be considered in the next phase in early May. Outdoor sporting activities, zoos, and heritage centers will reopen to the public from today. The number of people allowed to attend the funeral will be increased to 25.
Next stage of easing is on May 4
The next phase of easing of COVID restrictions will take effect on May 4. At this stage, visitors will be allowed to make visits to nursing home residents. At least eight out of ten residents have been fully vaccinated, and up to four regular visits a week are allowed. This applies to nursing homes where residents have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks. All other nursing homes are allowed to make only 2 visits a week.
According to current guidelines, two people who have been fully vaccinated can meet indoors without maintaining social distance. This facility is available to those who have been vaccinated two weeks ago.
Up to 50 people will be allowed to attend prayers at worship centres.
In May, the government will consider resuming all outdoor construction activity as well as non-essential retail, outdoor retail, and personal services. The government will also consider opening cultural venues such as museums, galleries and libraries. Visitors are not currently allowed in your home, but it is possible to include another household to mix with as part of their “social bubble.” The guideline also advises people to continue working from home.
The HSE and the Department of Health recommend that people over the age of 70 who have not been vaccinated and those at high risk should avoid public transportation. Public transportation will continue to run with capacity limited to 25%.
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