The entire country has been placed onto level two restrictions under a new government plan.
It means the current restrictions will be in place for another three weeks.
However, further measures are being introduced in Dublin.
Spectator sport is returning under the plan being announced at the moment with some small theatre and musical events also getting the green light.
The government is also adopting the European Commission’s new traffic light system for foreign travel.
So…What does this mean?
The full details of the government plan, including details of all five stages, are available here but the following guidance is what is now being put in place.
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At Level 2, the majority of areas of economy and society, for example: schools, restaurants, pubs and gyms, are open.
The priority is to keep schools and childcare facilities open and minimise disruption in the work force.
Sporting activities can continue, but with a higher level of restriction.
In order to keep people safe, you will be asked to limit the number of people you meet at this level.
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
Visitors from one other household only or up to 6 visitors from 2 other households or 3 other households.
This will be determined by the prevailing public health advice for the county or other defined geographical area.
Other settings outside your home or garden
Members of different households can continue to meet socially in other settings up to 6 people indoors, 15 outdoors from 1, 2 or 3 other households.
This will be determined by the prevailing public health advice for the county or other defined geographical area.
Weddings
Up to 50 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised indoor gatherings
These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.
For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).
Up to 50 patrons are permitted and in pods or groups of up to 6 if appropriate, with arrangements to ensure no intermingling of groups.
Up to 100 patrons are permitted for larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one-way controls for entry and exit can be implemented.
For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.
Organised outdoor gatherings
These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.
Up to 100 patrons are permitted for the majority of venues.
Up to 200 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (with robust protective measures as per sectoral guidance).
For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.
Sports
Training
Outdoors: training can take place in pods of up to 15 (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).
Indoors: training, exercise and dance classes can take place in pods of up to 6 inside (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).
Matches and events
up to 100 patrons/spectators outdoors and 50 patrons/spectators indoors
up to 200 for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
These can open with protective measures, taking account of public health advice, including social distancing.
Religious services
Open with protective measures ( for example, appropriate social distancing, one-way traffic within the venue, removal of communal prayer items) for up to 50 worshipers.
Bereavement guidance
Where the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted in separated sub-groupings of no more than 50, with additional protective measures as per guidelines.
Funerals
Up to 50 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
Open with protective measures (for example, a maximum capacity to allow 2 metre distancing, one-way traffic within the venue).
Maximum numbers are linked to capacity, taking account of public health advice.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Open with protective measures in place (for example: physical distancing, table service only, cleaning regimes, noise controls).
Maximum numbers in restaurants and cafes linked to capacity of establishment, taking account of public health advice, but with individual groups limited to 6 people from up to 3 households.
Wet pubs
Open with robust protective measures in place (for example: physical distancing, table service only, cleaning regimes, noise controls and so on).
Maximum numbers linked to capacity of establishment, taking account of public health advice including appropriate social distancing, but with individual groups limited to 6 people from no more than 3 households or the prevailing advice on the mixing of households.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open with protective measures (for example: staff face coverings, signage, hand sanitiser, regular cleaning of hard surfaces, customer details recorded for contact tracing process).
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn.
Open with protective measures in place.
Work
Work from home if possible.
If you can work from home, you are advised to only attend work for essential on-site meetings, inductions and training.
Domestic travel
No restrictions.
Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education
Open with protective measures in place.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
All remain open with protective measures in place.
Transport
You must wear a face covering if using public transport.
Walk or cycle where possible.
Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%.
Peak hours for essential workers and essential purposes only.
Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable
Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home.
Specific guidance will be provided.
Long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Open with enhanced protective measures.
Follow HPSC guidance.
