Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business – Phase 1
MONDAY WILL SEE the easing of some Covid-19 restrictions as part of the staggered re-opening of the country, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed this evening.
There are five scenarios whereby people can or should leave their home, from Monday.
They are to go to work if your workplace has been told it can open under the current rules and in circumstances where you can’t do your job from home, to go to the shops for items you need, to exercise within five kilometres, for medical reasons or to care for others and to meet friends or family outdoors in groups no bigger than four.
Up to four people who do not live in the same household will be allowed to meet up outdoors from Monday, as long as they maintain a two-metre distance.
Those who are cocooning should continue to follow the public health advice to stay at home as much as possible and avoid physical contact with other people, except to leave home for exercise or a drive up to 5 km.
Members of the public are also being urged to wear face coverings when on public transport and in enclosed spaces.
Who is back to work?
Monday will see the phased return of some non-essential retailers and outdoor workers. That means employees working in these shops and people like construction workers and gardeners will return to work.
In each case, social distancing requirements will continue to apply.
The return of construction work does not include indoor construction, meaning home renovations will have to wait.
The government has advised all employers to apply the Return to Work Safely Protocol, designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of the virus. Employers should also have a Covid-19 Response Plan in place.
People who are in are position to work remotely should continue to do so.
In terms of education and childcare measures, schools and college buildings will open for access by teachers for the organisation and distribution of remote learning.
Current restrictions on attendance at funerals to a maximum of 10 people should also be continued.
Further details are available here.
