The current coronavirus restrictions are to continue for two more weeks until 18 May - after that, the country will begin to reopen in five stages, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced.
“We have a plan to ease restrictions from 18 May, but, before that, we need two more weeks of tight restrictions to weaken the virus further. So it doesn't have the strength to make a comeback.
“From that day [18 May], outdoor work like construction and landscaping will resume.
"Some retail outlets like garden centres, hardware stores and repair shops will reopen, and some outdoor sporting and fitness activities and small groups will be allowed.
“Many regular health services will resume operating under the possible to meet small groups of friends and family outdoors,” he said.
The Taoiseach did not indicate when the full reopening of marts would take place.
Phases
“The plan is to reopen the country, in a slow staged phased way, five stages, three weeks apart starting on 18 May.
“All things going to plan, with the fifth phase commencing on 10 August,” he said.
“During this period, we are making some changes, we're extending the distance you can leave your home. So from next Tuesday, it will be possible to travel up to five kilometres from your home for the purposes of exercise."
Cocooning
For people who are cocooning, the over 70s, the public health advice is to continue to do so.
"However from Tuesday, it will be possible to go for a walk or a drive within five kilometres of your home, if you avoid all contact with other people,” he said.
“We are making a real difference in the fight against COVID-19. The curve has been flattened and has now plateaued. Thousands of lives have been saved our hospitals and healthcare staff have not been overwhelmed. We've not yet won this fight,” he said.
“There will be a long-term need for physical distancing, good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they're sick,” he added.
Cabinet meeting
An Taoiseach said that the cabinet will meet again on Saturday morning to agree further actions to help businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff who've been laid off or furloughed.
“Separately, a national protocol is being developed by Government employers and trade unions with the assistance of the Health and Safety Authority and the HSE.
“This will enable a gradual restart of economic activity as restrictions are eased while protecting the health and safety of all workers as they return to work.
“We will do everything possible to get enterprises back up and running. So you can get your job back,” he said.
Read more
What does a factory closure mean?
Growing calls for factory workers to be among priority testing groups
COVID-19 positive workers self-isolating – Rosderra Meats
The current coronavirus restrictions are to continue for two more weeks until 18 May - after that, the country will begin to reopen in five stages, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced.
“We have a plan to ease restrictions from 18 May, but, before that, we need two more weeks of tight restrictions to weaken the virus further. So it doesn't have the strength to make a comeback.
“From that day [18 May], outdoor work like construction and landscaping will resume.
"Some retail outlets like garden centres, hardware stores and repair shops will reopen, and some outdoor sporting and fitness activities and small groups will be allowed.
“Many regular health services will resume operating under the possible to meet small groups of friends and family outdoors,” he said.
The Taoiseach did not indicate when the full reopening of marts would take place.
Phases
“The plan is to reopen the country, in a slow staged phased way, five stages, three weeks apart starting on 18 May.
“All things going to plan, with the fifth phase commencing on 10 August,” he said.
“During this period, we are making some changes, we're extending the distance you can leave your home. So from next Tuesday, it will be possible to travel up to five kilometres from your home for the purposes of exercise."
Cocooning
For people who are cocooning, the over 70s, the public health advice is to continue to do so.
"However from Tuesday, it will be possible to go for a walk or a drive within five kilometres of your home, if you avoid all contact with other people,” he said.
“We are making a real difference in the fight against COVID-19. The curve has been flattened and has now plateaued. Thousands of lives have been saved our hospitals and healthcare staff have not been overwhelmed. We've not yet won this fight,” he said.
“There will be a long-term need for physical distancing, good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they're sick,” he added.
Cabinet meeting
An Taoiseach said that the cabinet will meet again on Saturday morning to agree further actions to help businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff who've been laid off or furloughed.
“Separately, a national protocol is being developed by Government employers and trade unions with the assistance of the Health and Safety Authority and the HSE.
“This will enable a gradual restart of economic activity as restrictions are eased while protecting the health and safety of all workers as they return to work.
“We will do everything possible to get enterprises back up and running. So you can get your job back,” he said.
Read more
What does a factory closure mean?
Growing calls for factory workers to be among priority testing groups
COVID-19 positive workers self-isolating – Rosderra Meats
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