Most counties in the country face moving three levels to Level 5 if NPHET recommendations come into effect.
24 of the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland are facing the prospect of moving three Levels from Level 2 to Level 5 if recommendations in a letter sent by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to the government are adopted this week.
Dublin and Donegal, both at Level 3, are currently the only two counties in the Republic of Ireland not at Level 2, but NPHET is recommending that the entire country move to Level 5 for up to four weeks in an attempt to combat the spread of Covid-19.
It is believed that the NPHET recommendations have taken the government by surprise and that party leaders Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan will seek a meeting with Tony Holohan on Monday (5 October), the day he returns in his role as Chief Medical Officer.
The NPHET recommendation about a move to Level 5 came about after a lengthy meeting on Sunday, the same day 364 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland.
613 new cases were confirmed on Saturday and 470 on Friday, bringing the total number of new cases over the weekend to 1,447.
Should the government adopt NPHET’s recommendation to move to Level 5 this week, a summary of the main restrictions that will apply nationwide can be seen below and in full here.
Schools, creches and higher and adult education
Recommendations based on situation and evidence at time.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Gatherings (Social and family, organised indoor and outdoor)
In your home or garden: Own household only – no visitors.
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.
Organised gatherings: No organised indoor or outdoor gatherings should take place.
Exercise and sport
Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.
No matches or events to take place.
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed
Religious services
Services will be held online.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals: Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Cultural attractions
All museums, galleries and other cultural attractions closed.
Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery only.
Wet pubs: Take away or delivery only.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed.
Face coverings must be worn.
Work
Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay at home.
Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.
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 outers 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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