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THE CABINET meets today to decide if phase one of Ireland’s roadmap to a “new normal” will get the go ahead from Monday May 18.
It is also expected that the public will receive further guidance on when and where they should wear face masks as the country’s Covid-19 battle continues.
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MAY 18
On Monday, Ireland is scheduled to enter phase one of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions as the first step of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s roadmap to reopen.
Phase one see a slight loosening of restrictions including:
- Allow outdoor meetings between people from different households
- Open up childcare for healthcare workers
- Phased return of outdoor workers
- Open retailers which are primarily outdoor or those which were open during first level of restriction (e.g. opticians)
- Opening of certain outdoor public amenities
But people expect the lifting of social distancing restrictions to be slow and gradual, with most indoor social activities not possible until at least September, according to new research.
The restrictions survey found that most people also believe that the lifting of restrictions should prioritize needs ahead of leisure activities.
The findings are based on data collected the week before Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the roadmap to opening society and businesses on May 1.
The study found no evidence that a substantial proportion of the public expected a more rapid lifting of restrictions.
The Government’s five phases of the roadmap are subject to review based on public health data and advice issued by the National Public Health and Emergency Team, headed up by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
However, if it proves possible to meet the timetable outlined in the roadmap, this would amount to a substantially more rapid lifting of restrictions than the public expected before the roadmap was published.
The interactive study involved a representative sample of adults in Ireland.
NO NORMAL TIL 2021
They expected non-essential shops and workplaces to reopen gradually between June and August.
Most expected cafes and restaurants to reopen in July or August, but schools and indoor leisure venues to remain closed until at least September, including sports facilities and gyms, arts and cultural centers, and pubs and clubs.
A return to “normality” is not expected until at least 2021, the survey found.
The study also asked people to rank restrictions according to which they thought should be lifted first and which, if lifted, would be best for them personally.
While people want to see the restriction on social contact beyond the household lifted first, they also think that necessities like workplaces, services and transport should take priority over leisure activities.
RESPONSE CRISIS
The clearest example relates to pubs and restaurants, which rank high for personal benefit, but low for when people think the restriction should be lifted.
“This study reveals further evidence of Ireland’s ability to pull together at a time of crisis,” said Dr Cameron Belton of the ESRI’s behavioral research unit.
“In the face of this disease, the large majority of people have absorbed the need to proceed slowly and carefully.
“They are willing to make sacrifices now for a better outcome in the long-run.”
‘BIGGEST NATIONAL TEST’
Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Health Minister Simon Harris said Monday will be Ireland’s “biggest national test” in terms of the possibility of “painful” restrictions being lifted.
He said: “Depending on what the public health advice may be and the government’s decision May the 18th could begin what well may be our biggest national test to date.
“Our best line of defense is you, the Irish people.
“Your individual behavior, your help, your assistance will be our greatest chance of success.
“Painful and difficult as some of these measures are, they are the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community.”
Last night it was revealed two more healthcare workers have died due to Covid-19 in Ireland – as 10 more deaths were reported.
report delay
Investigation launched after hospital reports almost 300 Covid-19 cases late
shooting probe
Teenager rushed to hospital after shooting in Darndale, Co Dublin
EASY DOES IT
‘Months not weeks’ before travel resumes as govt confident on lockdown lift
‘terrible tragedy’
Father maintains bedside vigil for injured girl after quad bike crash
BODY IN BAG
Man & woman ‘caught with woman’s torso in case as body parts found nearby’
‘missed indescribably’
Tributes for ‘incredible’ young Galway man who died in Australia
There have now been 1,506 deaths related to coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland.
The Department of Health confirmed that a further 426 cases have been diagnosed – after a hospital failed to report almost 300 cases within legal time frames.
Dr Holohan, who did not name the hospital, told the daily Covid-19 briefing that inquiries were ongoing to establish what had gone wrong and to make sure it had not happened in any other hospital.
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