Level 5 restrictions came into effect at midnight yesterday; what are the restrictions that fall under level 5?

DUBLIN: Level 5 restrictions came into effect in Ireland from midnight yesterday. The government announced the restrictions for six weeks, but a review will be held four weeks later.

If a significant reduction in the number of cases is found, the Level 5 restrictions can be lifted on December 1 and returned to Level 3.

However, those who violate the restrictions will have to pay a fine on the spot. Organising a house party or crossing the county border or traveling beyond 5 km for non-essential reasons, etc., may result in a fine.

Social gatherings:

● Do not have visitors inside or outside your home. But if you’re outside your home, meet with one other household, but not inside their home.

● Permission to develop ‘Social Bubbles’ is for people living alone, single parents and those at risk of isolation. That means they can connect with a family and form a household unit.

● There cannot be more than one social bubble per household. And you can’t change the household during the six weeks.

Work:

● All except essential workers must work from their homes.

Health care:

● Hospitals are still functioning. People are being asked to attend their meetings over the next six weeks.

Schools:

● Schools, creches, playgroups and playgrounds are allowed to open.

● Children can make up to 15 for non-contact outdoor training.

Travel and transport:

● People can travel within 5km of their home for exercise. Violation of this will result in a fine.

● You are only allowed to go over the 5km limit for essentials.

Essentials include: Travelling to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service; to attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products; for vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, and in particular for those who live alone, as part of an extended household but excluding social family visits; To attend a wedding or funeral; for farming purposes, ie. food production and/or care of animals; to visit a grave.

● Public transport can only be used for essential reasons.

● Public transport can operate with capacity restricted to 25%. The aim is to bring essential workers to work.

Restaurants, pubs and hotels:

● Only takeaway or food delivery services are allowed from cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels.

● Wet pubs in Dublin remain closed.

Retailers:

● Only essential retail outlets will be allowed to remain open

Essential retailers include: supermarkets, newsagents, pharmacies and off-licences, hardware shops, phone shops, bicycle repair shops, dentists and opticians.

Religious services:

● Mass and other religious services will be conducted online.

● Places of worship are open to individuals for prayer.

Weddings and funerals:

● 25 people can attend weddings (including the bride, groom and celebrant), and 25 people can also attend funerals.

● You can also travel between counties to attend a wedding. 

Cocooning: 

● Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to stay at home and to limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced.

Sports:

● Gyms and swimming pools will be closed

● Professional and elite sports such as the GAA championships will be allowed to continue. But spectators are not allowed.

● Individual training are also permitted.

Organised gatherings / events:

● Indoor or outdoor gatherings are not allowed. This includes arts events, conferences, theatre shows or cinemas.