Ireland returns to normal after months of restrictions; Tánaiste warns people to be cautious as “virus is still circulating”
DUBLIN: After months of lockdown restrictions, Ireland has returned to normal life from yesterday. Life in the city and countryside has returned to normal following the easing of Level 5 restrictions. Inter-county travel and individual religious services are now possible. Personal services such as hairdressers, barbers, and beauticians reopened yesterday after being closed for five months.
However, the government has made it clear that people should continue to work from home. Public health officials have advised business owners, employees and customers to take great care.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “This has been the longest lockdown since the pandemic began. I am determined to do all we can to ensure that it is the last. The virus is still circulating, and around two thirds of the adult population have yet to receive the vaccine.
“Mixing in the workplace can allow the virus to spread, so we all need to continue playing our part in defeating this cruel virus.” He said that the Government will continue to provide assistance until at least the end of June to companies that are reopening and those that remain closed.
Here are the latest changes from yesterday:
Travel
● Inter-county travel for non-essential reasons are permitted
● The number of people allowed on public transport is increased to 50% of normal capacity
Social visits
● A maximum of three households can meet outdoors
● Up to six people from individual households can meet outdoor
● The limits do not apply to children aged 12 and under
● People who are fully vaccinated are allowed to meet indoors with other fully vaccinated people (a maximum of three households are permitted)
● Fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household (a maximum of three households are permitted)
Outdoor gatherings
● Organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 15 people are allowed
● Outdoor training for adults in pods are allowed with a maximum attendance of 15 people
Retail
● Stores can have shopping by appointment as phased reopening of non-essential retail begins today
● Click-and-collect services are also permitted
● Outdoor retail sales are also allowed
Personal services
● Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can reopen from today (appointment is required)
Cultural services
● Reopening ofgalleries, museums and other cultural attractions are allowed
● Libraries can also reopen but only for lending services. There will be no access to reader spaces or computers
Religious services, funerals and weddings
● Religious services can resume, with a limit of 50 people attending
● Up to 50 people are allowed to attend funeral services (no other related events are allowed)
● 50 guests are allowed to attend wedding services
● For receptions and other celebrations, up to six people will be allowed to attend indoors, and up to 15 outdoors
Richard Guiney, Chief Executive of business group Dublin Town, said retail outlets are very pleased to see a partial return to business. However, he said that there are many financially fragile businesses that need immediate government assistance to survive.
Ian Madden, a Cross Fit trainer in Greystones, Wicklow, said he was delighted to be back in the gym and would reopen his gym on June 7.
Fr. Pat O’Donnell, parish priest in Rathmore, Co Kerry, said he is happy to see people return. Zoom meetings are great but “there is nothing like meeting people and being with people”, said Fr. O’Donnell. He said there would be volunteers to ensure people are safe in churches.
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