The Irish Government has shared it plans for reopening society after coronavirus lockdown.
Taiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday that Ireland will begin its journey to a new normal after a further two weeks of the current coronavirus restrictions.
It has produced a road map detailing the steps which will launch on May 18.
The plan sets out five stages for unlocking restrictions, at three-week intervals.
As the Covid-19 measures are eased, the rate of the virus in the community will be monitored by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Government.
Phase 1:
Phase one will begin on May 18, it will include:
– Allowing outdoor meetings between people from different households
– Opening up childcare for healthcare workers
– A phased return of outdoor workers
– Opening retailers which are primarily outdoor or those which were open during the first level of restriction (eg opticians)
– Opening certain outdoor public amenities
Phase 2:
Phase two will begin on June 8, it will include:
– Allowing visits to households
– Developing plans and supports to open up business with consideration for safety of staff and customers
– Opening small retail outlets and marts where social distancing can be observed
– Opening public libraries
Phase 3:
Phase three will begin on June 29, it will include:
– Allowing small social gatherings
– Opening creches, childminders and pre-schools for children of essential workers in phased manner
– Returning to work for those with low levels of interaction
– Opening non-essential retail outlets with street level entrance and exit
– Opening playgrounds
Phase 4:
Phase four will begin on July 20, it will include:
– Opening creches, childminders and pre-schools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing basis
– Returning to work for those who cannot work from home
– The gradual easing of restrictions for higher risk services (eg hairdressers)
– Opening museums, galleries, places of worship
Phase 5
Phase five will begin on August 10, it will include:
– Allowing larger social gatherings
– Returning to work across all sectors
– On a phased basis, commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2020/2021, opening of primary and secondary schools and 3rd level institutions
– Further easing of restrictions on high risk retail services