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As some border counties move to Level 4 of the Government’s Living with Covid strategy with additional restrictions for the rest of the country, we take a look at what the new changes entail.
Is the country now in level 4 restrictions?
No. Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan go to Level 4 at midnight (read my Questions and answers about level 4 here) from Thursday, October 15 to November 10. The rest of the country remains at Level 3, although the Government announced additional restrictions Wednesday night, making it kind of Level 3 and a bit.
What are these additional restrictions for the rest of the country?
Currently, there is a national ban on home or garden visits, with the exception of visits for essential purposes, such as providing care to children, the elderly or vulnerable people.
So I can’t meet anyone outside my home?
You can. In outdoor settings away from your home / garden, up to six people from no more than two households can get together while maintaining strict social distancing, including for outdoor exercise and eating.
Is sport still allowed in larger groups?
Non-contact outdoor training is still allowed in groups of up to 15, with an exemption for professional / elite / inter-county / senior club championship sports. In terms of interior, only individual training is allowed without exercise or dance classes taking place.
No games or other sporting events should be held, with the exception again of professional, elite and inter-county championships and horse races, which must take place behind closed doors.
Is there anything newer in the current Level 3 restrictions?
An exemption that allowed GAA Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors was removed, so competition will not continue.
Has the government said anything about public adherence to the current guidelines?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted late Wednesday that Level 3 status nationwide has been in place for a week and the Government is studying infection patterns, as Level 3 may have a “significant impact” on the spread of the illness.
“There are concerns regarding the full implementation of Tier 3,” he said, including people entering the workplace, slipping into personal and retail services, and people going to others’ homes.
Will there be fines for people who do not comply with the restrictions?
The Taoiseach said additional sanctions designed to improve enforcement are in the works, and that they would be ready next week.
The government is expected to introduce a system of graduated fines before the end of the month for non-compliance with Covid-19 guidelines, including failure to use face markings when necessary and taking non-essential travel.
The Cabinet Subcommittee on Covid-19 approved the recommendation made by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) for a system of fines in place for non-compliance with the rules.
No figures were given, but the fines are expected to be similar to those in the UK, which are € 70 (£ 60) for the first offense and higher for subsequent offenses.
Is the rest of the country likely to go to level 4?
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that the coronavirus was “underway” and that “more countries are more likely to move to Level 4 than the other way around.”
Separately, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said Thursday morning that it was “likely, but not inevitable,” that the state would have to move to Level 4. He said he expected the “improved Level 3 measures “had an impact on increasing transmission levels.
Can merchants still come to my house?
If you have a tradesman, like a plumber, electrician, or washing machine repair specialist, come to your house, that’s fine, you can still get in. However, owners and workers should take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 such as washing their hands, covering their face, and making sure the home is well ventilated.
Schools definitely not closing for one more week mid-term?
School closings in the Republic are not being considered at this time and there are no plans to extend the midterm recess, according to Education Minister Norma Foley.
Yesterday’s announcement that schools in Northern Ireland will be closed for two weeks during the Halloween mid-term holiday sparked further speculation that schools could close south of the border.
However, Ms. Foley said she was committed to keeping the schools open and such plans were not being considered.
Has Halloween been canceled?
The Taoiseach said Wednesday that Halloween is not canceled, but it would be “different” and that trick or treating would not be advisable and that no street parties of any kind should be held.
Has anything been said about Christmas?
Regarding Christmas, Mr. Martin said that if people adapt and change their behavior “of course we can have a good Christmas and a pleasant Christmas”, but that it would be a “different Christmas” and added that “until we get a vaccine, normal life will not resume. ” ”.
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