Move to one-metre social distancing, with staycations from June 29 - Ireland's Tourism Recovery Taskforce

The Government is being urged to consider a move to one-metre social distancing and to allow people travel beyond 20km of their homes from June 29 to save Ireland's tourism industry.  ​

A delayed reopening of schools, allowing bars and pubs to welcome customers from July 20 and removing the two-week self-isolation period for visitors from "safe" destinations are also being suggested.

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The issues are highlighted in an eight-point list submitted to Government today by Ireland's new Tourism Recovery Taskforce (TRT), which has been charged with preparing a Recovery Plan for an industry devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cabinet is being asked to consider:

• A one-metre social-distancing rule workable for pubs, hotels and restaurants
• Delayed reopening of schools to August 31 to extend the domestic tourist season
• Cut VAT rates for the general hospitality sector
• Accelerate Phase 4 recreational reopenings to Phase 3, or June 29, under the lockdown easing plan - allowing hotels and accommodation to open earlier
• Accelerate Phase 5 social re-openings to Phase 4, or July 20, allowing pubs to reopen a month earlier
• Allow people to travel for domestic holidays from June 29
• Allow schools the option of taking the week-long October mid-term break during one of two weeks (rather than just one week)
• Remove the two-week self-isolation requirement for travellers from countries deemed 'safe' due to low infection rates

READ THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARTICLE