A huge leap forward.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed this evening that most amenities and activities originally set to be prohibited until Phase 4 will now be allowed from the outset Phase 3.
Foremost among the things that will now be permitted from 29 June onwards are hairdressers, barbers, gyms, cinemas, churches and outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people with social distancing in place.
Sports are included in these outdoor gatherings, and teams and leagues will be allowed to resume play from the end of this month.
Many pubs had already been expected to reopen on 29 June, as long as certain measures are implemented - such as pre-booked time slots, provision of food, and social distancing measures. Gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed indoors from the outset of Phase 3.
Those attending such events are now urged to follow the "DATE" system:
- Distance - keep social distancing
- Activity - wash your hands, face coverings
- Time - the amount of time
- Environment - a closed, indoors space is riskier than outdoors
With most resumptions and re-openings now moved to Phase 3, Phase will 4 (which begins on 20 July) will allow for expansions of these gatherings with 100 people allowed at indoor gatherings and 500 people allowed at outdoor gatherings. Pubs that do not serve food will also be opening on 20 July.
