These measures will apply throughout the Republic of Ireland if Level 4 measures are applied nationwide.
On Wednesday night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal, all Ulster counties with a border with Northern Ireland, will move to Level 4 of the government’s Living with Covid framework from midnight on Thursday (15 October).
As well as an escalation in the number of cases in the Republic of Ireland – 1,095 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Wednesday – the move was prompted by increasing concerns about the spread of the virus in Northern Ireland.
1,217 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, a new daily record, which followed the Northern Ireland government having introduced tighter restrictions for a four-week period that will include the closure of schools, pubs and restaurants.
In the Republic of Ireland, it is only Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal to which Level 4 restrictions will apply from midnight, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying on Wednesday night that the picture emerging in those counties is “worrying”, with obvious implications for hospitals and public health.
The government also announced a ban on household and garden visits nationwide amid speculation that the entire country could soon move to Level 4, something described as “likely” but not “inevitable” by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris on Thursday morning.
Should a nationwide move to Level 4 go ahead, a summary of the main restrictions that will apply nationwide can be seen below and in full here.
Under Level 4, only businesses and services which are essential will be open.
You can see the full list of essential services here and the full list of essential retailers here.
Gatherings (Social and family, organised indoor and outdoor)
In your home or garden: You can not have visitors from outside your own household.
Other settings outside your home or garden: No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Weddings: Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.*
*Weddings planned for 16-18 October may go ahead as originally planned up to a limit of 25 guests. From Monday 19 October, weddings may proceed but with a limit of six guests for ceremony and reception, irrespective of venue. Guests cannot leave their county to attend a wedding.
Organised indoor gatherings: No organised indoor gatherings should take place. For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).
Organised outdoor gatherings: Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors. For example: outdoor arts events or training events.
Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures.
Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay in your county (or other defined geographical area) apart from essential work, education and other essential purposes.
Exercise and sport
Training
Outdoors: Non-contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15.
Indoors: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes can take place.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place.
Exemption: Professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals: Up to 25 mourners can attend.
Cultural attractions
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions closed.
Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery. No indoor dining.
Outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Wet pubs: Outdoor seating only, limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open but only for existing guests, and those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn.
Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
Only essential or other designated workers should go to work.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
All remain open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn.
Walk or cycle where possible.
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%.
Avoid public transport – essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home. Specific guidance will be issued.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes): Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
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