What’s changing from 18 May?

From 18 May 2020, Ireland will start to reopen in Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

The message is still is to Stay at Home except for five exceptions:

1. To go to work if your workplace is open and you can’t work from home. Most people will continue to work from home.
2. To shop for items you need, including garden plants and hardware
3. To exercise within 5 km of your home
4. For medical reasons or to care for others
5. To meet friends or family outdoors, in groups of no more than 4

Older people and people who are cocooning should continue to
stay at home, except for brief outdoor exercise within 5km of their home.

Face coverings  
During the gradual easing of restrictions in Phase 1, you are advised to use a face covering (this is not a medical mask) as an additional hygiene measure, when you are using busy public transport or when in enclosed indoor public areas like shops.

Keep washing your hands…
As people begin to go out more, hygiene measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 are even more important:

1. Wash your hands regularly
2. Stay 2 metres apart from others where possible
3. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
4. Stay at home and self-isolate if you are sick.

Who can work?
Construction workers, gardeners and other outdoor workers can return to work. This includes people working in allotments. Most people will continue to work remotely if they can.

What shops can open? 

• Hardware stores, builders merchants and shops providing essential supplies and tools for gardening, farming and agriculture
• Garden centres and farmers markets
• Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services and selling hearing aids and appliances
• Retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (such as tyre sales and repairs); office products and services
• Electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores.

You are still encouraged to only make essential trips to these shops and retail outlets.

What amenities and sports facilities can open?

• Outdoor public amenities and tourism sites, such as carparks, beaches and mountain walks may reopen
• Outdoor public sports amenities, like playing pitches, tennis courts and golf courses may reopen
• Outdoor sports and fitness activities in groups of no more than 4 are permitted within 5km of your home provided that there is no physical contact
• School and college buildings may reopen for teachers and lecturers to facilitate remote learning