Ireland follows New Zealand model in considering COVID’s second wave; Government is expected today to announce a plan merging Level 4 and Level 5 restrictions

DUBLIN: Ireland moves to the fourth level with new strict restrictions to control the COVID spread in its second wave. Restrictions are considered to focus on family members, those who are isolated, and those who need more care. Restrictions will force as many people as possible to stay at home, as in the case of Lockdown.

It has also decided to impose an eviction ban to ensure that people are not excluded from rented accommodation during this period. There may also be announcements to restrict travel outside the counties.

It is expected that such new COVID restrictions will be announced after today’s cabinet meeting. The new restrictions are based on crucial discussions with CMO Dr. Tony Holohan and HSE Chief Paul Reid.

The measures will be combined with the level four and five restrictions set out  in the government’s Living with COVID-19 plan. The Government hopes that by enforcing these restrictions, it will be able to avoid the NPHET recommendation of a six-week complete lockdown. The government expects the restrictions to be reviewed in three to four weeks.

Essential services, shops, schools, construction sites and construction companies can be opened. But most other businesses will have to shut down, just as in a lockdown.

Pubs and restaurants are only permitted to provide takeaways and delivery services. While the ban on home visits persists, travel will be limited to 5 km from home.

New Zealand model

Following in the footsteps of New Zealand’s model of success, family – centered COVID restrictions are being introduced in Ireland. The new plan will ensure that people do not become isolated. Ministers are developing a ‘social bubble’ system that ensures that people are not isolated.

The New Zealand government’s website suggests that the bubble of families should be exclusive and that it should only include people who keep you and them safe and healthy. The new restrictions are based on this.

If any member of the family becomes ill, he or she should isolate himself or herself from everyone else in the bubble. This government is not expected to use the term ‘bubble’ as it does in New Zealand. But a similar system will be introduced.

The final decision will be taken at today’s cabinet meeting

The cabinet will consider the new proposal today. A five-kilometer traffic restriction will be put forward. But the Cabinet will consider extending this restriction if the need arises. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien will present the moratorium on evictions to coincide. The plan is to impose a ban similar to the ban announced during the first lockdown. Mr O’Brien discussed the matter with Attorney General Paul Gallagher.

Government leaders and senior ministers discussed the issue with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan, Deputy CMO Dr. Ronan Glynn and HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid.

The Government and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec) are in talks to encourage more people to work from home in the coming weeks.

There are concerns within the government about the imposition of more severe restrictions than in other EU countries. However, the fears of a major catastrophe if COVID is not regulated have driven the government to take tough decisions.