Ireland to shut down much of its economy and society in a second Covid-19 lockdown that places some of Europe’s toughest restrictions
Non-essential stores will close and people are urged to stay home, with a 5 km (3 mile) limit on exercise, to reduce spike in infection rates, the report said. government monday night
Starting at midnight Wednesday, the country will move to its highest lockdown level for six weeks. Visits to private homes or gardens will not be allowed and there should be no gatherings except for weddings and funerals tightly controlled
A progressive fine system for those who violate the 5km limit – with exceptions for work and other purposes deemed essential – will be announced later this week People who live alone or are single parents can join another household as part of a support bubble Two households can meet outside within the travel limit Public transport will operate at 25% of their capacity
Non-essential businesses will be closed, along with barbers, beauty salons, gymnasiums, recreation centers and cultural facilities Pubs, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to serve only take-out food, a devastating blow for an already weakened hotel sector
In a grim speech to announce the restrictions, the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said he understands there will be disappointment, loneliness and hopelessness but there is hope
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« If we come together over the next six weeks we can celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way… the journey will not be easy but the future is in our hands We must each dig deep and persevere »
Martin said the government rejected a zero Covid strategy as unrealistic and a collective immunity strategy as unethical Periodic lockdowns may become the norm, he suggested « We are working to remove the virus when it grows, and we work to reopen our society and economy as much as possible when it is safe Until we have a safe vaccine, we must continue in this pattern «
Schools and nurseries must remain open but Martin Marjoram, chairman of the Irish Teachers’ Union, said its members were anxious and faster coronavirus tests were needed to keep schools open
Construction and most manufacturing can continue to operate Hotels and guest houses can remain open to provide essential services
Unemployment benefit in the event of a pandemic must be reinstated to € 350 (£ 320) per week for those with previous incomes of € 400 per week and above Wage subsidy rates must also be improved
Supermarkets and grocery stores across Ireland reported unusually busy shopping activity on Monday, although they will remain open
Health officials reported 1,031 new infections on Monday, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 50,993 The death toll remained unchanged at 1,852
Ireland’s 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population is 261, lower than that of Britain, France and Spain, and sits in the middle of the table. Europe But the Irish health service has little capacity available, especially for intensive care
Opposition parties have widely supported tighter restrictions, but several business groups have warned of a wave of bankruptcies and job losses
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan requested a Level 5 lockdown two weeks ago, but the coalition government rejected the recommendation, citing the damage it would inflict on the economy and finances of the ‘State and expressing hope level 3 restrictions would contain viruses
Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar accused Holohan and colleagues on the emergency health team of failing to give thought to the recommendation Several ministers said a second lockdown could lack social cohesion and general public compliance of the first
However, with the number of viruses skyrocketing, Holohan got a different answer when he asked for level 5 again last weekend, prompting some to say Varadkar had gone from Dr. No to the Yes Minister
Two days of intense discussions between health officials and the leaders of the three ruling parties, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens, led to the decision to revert to a set of draconian rules similar to those imposed in March
Holohan called on the public to go back to basics and self-isolate if they are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 or are waiting for test results or tested positive « Self-isolation means staying in your room, away from other members of your household If you live in a house with a confirmed case, do not go to work or school You must stay at home and limit your movements for 14 days ”, a- he declared
Health officials cited the example of one person who did not restrict movement after returning from abroad, leading to the infection of 56 people in 10 households
The highest infection rates are found in the counties bordering Northern Ireland, which have some of the highest rates in the UK Last week, Northern Ireland closed schools, pubs and restaurants in a set of new restrictions to last for four weeks, except schools, which will close for two weeks
The divergence of rules between north and south, especially on schools and travel, will amplify calls for a response from across the island
Ireland lockdown
World news – GB – Ireland to impose 5km travel limit as part of new strict Covid lockdown
