Two-Week Lockdown Announced in Laois, Offaly and Kildare; Activates will be Strictly Monitored

A partial lockdown for next two weeks is implemented in Kildare, Offaly and Laois.

People are not supposed to leave these counties. In order to prevent this, there will be garda checkpoints to monitor citizens movements.

The movements of the people in these three counties are restricted from August 7 midnight. People from outside counties are also banned from going into these restricted places.

The government conforms that there will be checkpoints throughout the counties in order to monitor citizens and there by limiting the spread of the virus.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain closed. Exemptions are given to those which have takeaway services or the ones with outdoor dining.

A maximum of six people could be accommodated for indoor gatherings, where as 15 is the maximum number for outdoor gatherings.

All sporting events are banned. Exemptions are given to those non-contact outdoor sporting events and trainings.

People are supposed to avoid unnecessary traveling. Traveling to workplaces, emergencies, medical appointment, etc. are exempted.

Funerals can be held with a maximum attendance of 25 persons.

When will this lockdown end?

At present the government has imposed restrictions for two weeks. It all depends on the situation after one week. If the virus spread become under control then the counties could come out of this.

For strengthening the measures, the government had asked the civilians to avoid the usage of public transport. People can use the public transport only if it’s necessary.

The government had also asked not to share private vehicles with someone from outside their home.

“We have taken the approach we’ve taken as we and Nphet have looked at what’s happening round the world, we are taking a cautious approach.” said Health Minister Stephen Donnelly

“We have to do everything as families, workers, employers to follow the basic guidelines to restrict transmission so it doesn’t move and it doesn’t get to people much more vulnerable to the disease.” He added.