Coronavirus Ireland: full list of closing changes expected May 18

“If we find ourselves in a situation where we are recommending a reduction in restrictions from the beginning of next week, this will lead to an increase in the movement of people, not to a great extent if people continue to follow the advice.

“If people go beyond what we are recommending and start having barbecues and parties and visit each other’s houses in the way that we do not recommend, then that is the scenario that would concern us.”

The Government’s official reopening roadmap is divided into five phases, with a three-week break between each, starting on May 18.

The second phase begins on June 8, the third on June 29, the fourth on July 20, and the fifth and final phase will begin on August 10.

However, health chiefs and government officials have insisted that the phases may change if Ireland sees an increase in coronavirus cases.

Here is a complete breakdown of the restrictions that could be lifted or eased and what will remain in effect from May 18:

Public health measures

Facial masks

On the issue of face masks, the government said it will issue more guidance on when and where people should wear face masks in the coming days.

People will still be encouraged to stay home as much as possible from phase one.

Outdoor meetings

Up to four people who do not live together can meet outdoors while being kept at least two meters apart.

Funeral

Unfortunately, the current restrictions will remain in place. Attendance at funerals is maintained for a maximum of 10 people, and only household members, close family members, or close friends if the deceased has no household or family members.

Education and childcare

Opening of schools and colleges.

School and university buildings will be opened for teachers to access them to organize and distribute remote learning.

Job

People who work outdoors.

A gradual return of outdoor workers will be allowed (for example: construction workers, gardeners, including people working on assignments). The social distancing requirements continue to apply.

Remote work

Remote work must continue for all workers or companies that can currently do so.

Sport and tourism

Public sports courts

Playing fields, tennis courts and golf courses can be opened where social distance can be maintained.

Outdoor spaces

Open-air spaces and tourist sites will be opened (for example: parking lots, beaches, mountain walks) where people can move freely and where social distance can be maintained.

Group exercise

People can exercise, either alone or in a group of no more than four people, where social distance can be maintained and where there is no contact with other people.

Stores and other commercial businesses

Outdoor tents

Stores that are primarily outdoors (eg, garden centers, hardware stores, farmers markets) may reopen as long as social distancing measures can be implemented.

Stores that can reopen

Stores that were previously open on Level 2 (for example: household items, opticians, motors, bicycles and repairs, office supplies, electricity, computers, telephone sales and repairs) can open. A complete list will be provided before May 18.

Health and social insurance

The Government says there will be increased provision of non-Covid-19 care and services along with Covid-19 care to meet demand through:

• Implement measures to ensure the safe delivery of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 services and services side by side
• Continue to provide care and services in new ways (eg, by phone, online, virtual clinics) and new models of care to meet demand and alleviate the concerns of patients, service users, and healthcare workers.
• The use of masks, personal protective equipment, tests and other measures that may arise over time, and
• Continue to support mental health and wellness initiatives aimed at meeting the diverse mental health and resilience needs of the public during these times.