Here are the differences between Level 4 and Level 5 Covid restrictions

CABINET MUST meet tomorrow to make a final decision on additional Covid-19 restrictions following yesterday’s marathon talks in government buildings.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended Thursday that the entire country move to Level 5 for a six-week period following a continued increase in virus transmission.

A middle ground between Level 4 and Level 5 is understood to be a likely scenario for the next few weeks.

Coalition leaders met yesterday to discuss how to respond to advice to move to Level 5, but have not yet announced the outcome of their meeting.

There are few differences between Level 4 and Level 5, but considering how strict both levels are, it is those small differences that could prove crucial to people’s livelihoods and well-being.

The country is already under Level 3 of Covid-19 restrictions with Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan moving to Level 4 earlier this week.

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Although we still don’t know what the Government will decide, let’s take a look at the differences between Level 4 and Level 5.

Social and family gatherings

• There are no visitors in your home below level 4 and level 5
• Social gatherings are not allowed in other settings below level 4 and level 5

Organized indoor gatherings (cinemas, etc.)

• Should not take place on both Level 4 and Level 5

Meetings organized outdoors

• No outdoor gatherings below Level 5
• However, under Level 4 meetings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors. For example: outdoor arts events or training events.

Education

• Schools and nurseries will remain open with protective measures under Level 4
• In addition, adult and higher education should move primarily online, with adequate safeguards in place for essential on-site assistance under Level 4
• The previous advice was that schools and nurseries would remain open in Level 5 – the advice under this heading is now unclear: “Recommendations based on the situation and the evidence at the time”. However, the playgrounds and parks will remain open with protective measures in place.

Wedding

• As of October 19, weddings can continue, but with a limit of six guests for ceremony and reception.
• Guests cannot leave their county to attend a wedding
• This applies to both Level 4 and Level 5

Funeral

• Until 25 mourners can attend under level 4 while I go down only 10 mourners can attend under Level 5

Sports – Level 4

• No matches will be made with limited exceptions
• Non-contact outdoor training in groups of up to 15
• Indoor individual training only
• Professional and elite sports, inter-county races, and horse racing can take place behind closed doors.
• Indoor gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools

Sports – Level 5

• There can be no matches or team training exercises, only individual training sessions can be held. There are no exercise or dance classes either, and the pools and gyms will be closed.

Bars, cafes and restaurants – Level 4

• Take out only, no indoor dining area
• Dinner in the open air with a maximum of 15 people

Bars, cafes and restaurants – Level 5

• Take-out or food delivery services can only be available in cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs, including those in hotels.

‘Wet pubs’ – Level 4

• Outdoor seating only with a maximum of 15 people

‘Wet pubs’ – Level 5

Retail – Level 4

• Only essential shops and businesses that are primarily outdoors should be opened. All other personal and retail services must be closed
• Details of Tier 4 essential services can be found here
• Details of Tier 4 essential retail outlets can be found here

Retail – Level 5

Travel within Ireland below level 4

• People must remain in their county except for essential jobs, education, and other essential purposes.

Travel within Ireland below level 5

Work under level 4

• Only essential workers should travel to work
• Construction activity can continue
• Manufacturing will remain open when necessary to ensure that all national and international supply chains are intact for essential products.

Work below level 5

• Work from home unless it is for health, welfare or other essential service and cannot be done from home

Public transport – Level 4

• People are asked to avoid public transport, which will operate at 25% capacity.
• School transportation is not affected

Public transport – Level 5

• Public transport can operate with capacity restricted to 25% (currently it is 50%)