The Government has announced plans to ease a range of coronavirus restrictions over the coming weeks.
In his address to the nation this evening, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the changes will happen in three phases between now and the end of April.
The new measures announced today will last until May 4th with another review planned for the last week in April.
Here’s everything you need to know about what is in store over the coming weeks.
Today
- From today, two people or two households that have been fully vaccinated can meet up indoors. People can take advantage of the new rule two weeks after they have received their second dose.
April 12th
- All children to return to school
- People can travel anywhere within their own counties and within 20km of their home if crossing county borders.
- Two households can socialise outdoors (but not in a garden)
- Residential construction and renovations can resume
April 19th
- Elite-level senior GAA training and matches can resume
- High-performance athletes can resume training if approved by Sport Ireland
- April 26th
- Golf and tennis can resume
- Underage outdoor non-contact sports training can resume in pods of 15
- Outdoor sports facilities including football pitches and basketball courts can reopen; however, adult training remains banned
- Outdoor visitor attractions and zoos can reopen
- The number of mourners at a funeral can increase to 25
May
The Taoiseach said that Government would reconsider the situation towards the end of April and that, depending on public health advice, a series of further restrictions could be eased.
- Non-essential retail (beginning with click and collect and outdoor shops)
- Hairdressers and other personal services
- All non-contact sports training
- Religious services
- Museums, galleries and libraries
June (depending on progress)
Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses
The Taoiseach insisted that people will be able to enjoy “much greater freedom later in the summer” and noted that there will be “significant opportunities to re-open even further” when the majority of the population is vaccinated in July or August.
