“We are in a very different situation to last March”.
The Government has announced that all of the country will move to Level 3, for a period of three weeks.
This comes after the Government officially rejected NPHET’s advice to move to Level 5.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that it’s important to understand that we are in a “very different situation to last March”, and that the response must be different as a result.
“Severe restrictions now would have a very damaging impact.”
He said: “In the coming days we will be increasing the level of public guidance on compliance.”
Confirming the news on Monday night, Martin said: “Until there is an effective vaccine, this virus will continue to have an impact… we must continue to manage it and protect ourselves.
“It’s about protecting lives and livelihoods, we can’t do one without the other.”
He also said that if we act now, we can avoid going into Level 4 or Level 5 in the future.
Martin finished his speech by saying: “The spirit of community lies at the heart of what’s best in the Irish character. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”
People are advised to work from home unless it is “absolutely necessary” to attend in person.
It is believed that outdoor seating and service will be allowed outside restaurants, bars and wet pubs.
As part of the newly announced measures, pubs that do not serve food outside Dublin will be allowed to open but they will only be able to provide an outdoor service to a maximum of 15 people.
Visitors are allowed into your home from one other household only – to a maximum of six people.
No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Only elite sporting matches will be allowed to take place, while non contact training only in pods of up to 15 will be allowed take place outdoors.
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools can open with protective measures, for individual training only.
With regards to funerals, up to 25 mourners can attend.
People are being told to stay in your county, apart from work, education and other “essential purposes”.
Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%, and are people are being told to walk or cycle when possible.
The full breakdown of Level 3 can be seen on the Government’s website.
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