Taoiseach announces latest developments on Covid-19 restrictions

aoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that Phase 2 of the lifting of restrictions will go ahead on Monday.

He said we have suffered as a country, we have lost loved ones and changed the way we live our lives, but we are making progress.

"Today I can confirm that it is safe to move to Phase 2 of the plan to reopen our country starting on Monday," Mr Varadkar said.

"I'm also announcing an acceleration of the roadmap," and will now be four phases to reopening the country instead of five.  Phase 3 will start on 29 June and Phase 4 on 20 July.  

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The Taoiseach said some measures on mass gatherings may need to remain in place until August. 

He said we all need to stick to what we have been doing right – social distancing, washing our hands, wearing face coverings on public transport and self-isolating if we feel unwell. 

He said we must continue to avoid unnecessary travel – and the message now is to "stay local" - people can travel anywhere in their own counties and it is planned to remove domestic travel restrictions in Phase 3 on 29 June. 

From Monday, groups of up to six people can meet in other households as long as social distancing is maintained.

Mr Varadkar also said that up to 25 people will be able to attend funerals from Monday.

He said that the tourism and hospitality sectors will return on 29 June and bars can reopen if they serve food and provide a table service.

He said he would also like to see places of worship resume services in Phase 3 if possible.​

Government Announcement on lifting of restrictions from June 8th: 

These measures come into place on Monday the 8th of June. We are still in Phase 1 until then.  COVID-19 is still having a major impact on our country. By working together we have made progress – but the virus is still in Ireland.

As we reopen our country, it is vital that we all continue to observe the public health guidance. To stay safe, you need to limit where you go and limit the number of people you meet. Here are five things you should know for Phase 2:

• Stay Local: You may travel within your own county, and up to 20 kilometres from your home if crossing county boundaries.
• Meeting other people: You may meet up to 6 people from outside your household both indoors and outdoors for social gatherings. Organised outdoor exercise, sporting, cultural or social activities of up to 15 people may take place
• Shops: All retail is reopening. Shop locally, shop safely and support businesses in your community.
• Work from home: It is more important than ever to work  from home where possible.
• Transport: Walk or cycle if you can. Only use public transport if you absolutely need to. Public transport capacity is limited because of social distancing requirements.

​Community Health

• It is recommenced that face coverings be worn in public places, such as shops, and on public transport You may meet up to six people from outside your household both indoors and outdoors for social gatherings. Organised outdoor exercise, sporting, cultural or social activities of up to 15 people may take place. If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable be extra vigilant. Up to 25 immediate family and close friends may attend funeral services.

Children

• Outdoor summer camps may operate for post-primary children.
• Playgrounds and commercially-serviced outdoor amenities may reopen.

Economic activity and work

• The Return to Work Safely Protocol is the operative guide for employers and employees.
• Working from home must continue wherever possible.
• Marts may open where social distancing and hygiene can be maintained.

Retail, services and commercial activity

• All retail outlets may open. Opening times and modes of operation may vary. Please co-operate with store staff and abide by systems put in place for your safety.

Cultural, sporting and social

• Groups of up to 15, including trainers and coaches, may return to non-contact outdoor training activity (but not matches) while maintaining social distancing at all times.
• Public Libraries will commence reopening.
• Behind-closed-door horse and greyhound racing can commence.

Transport and travel
Public Transport

• Social distancing means that overall capacity remains extremely restricted. Use public transport only for essential journeys.
• Wearing a face covering is recommended.
• Avoid peak-time travel.
• Walk or Cycle if possible.

International Travel

• All non-essential overseas travel to and from Ireland should be avoided.
• Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
• Passengers will also have to complete a form showing where they will self-isolate.

Advice for those over 70 or the medically vulnerable
If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable, please use your judgement to decide how best to apply the following health guidance:

• stay home as much as possible
• you may welcome small numbers of people to your home, but maintain social distancing
• for shopping, please use the times specially allotted by retailers.
• if you are visiting someone who is over 70 or medically vulnerable, please be extra-vigilant