There are ‘many reasons for hope’ today as Ireland begins easing some Covid-19 restrictions.
Schools return in full, the 5km limit is lifted and people can begin to meet up with others again from today.
As the gradual easing of restrictions begins, people are being asked to ‘stay local’ rather that ‘stay at home’.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn, Department of Health, said there are hopeful signs in Ireland’s Covid-19 situation.
With 303 new cases confirmed, yesterday was the lowest number of daily cases reported since mid December. Irish hospitals also had the lowest number of COVID-19 admissions since the end of November.
“If we can maintain this progress, vaccines and the basic public health measures with which we are all so familiar are our way out of this pandemic,” Dr Glynn said.
What can we do from today?
The next phase of Ireland’s reopening today (12th April) allows:
- schools will fully return, with all students back in the classroom for the first time since December.
- people can meet one other household outdoors, but not in gardens. Any meetings outdoors should be safe, with continued practising of social distancing and other safe behaviours. Masks should be worn if in a busy outdoor setting
- we can travel within our county or within 20km of our homes if crossing county boundaries
- all residential construction can restart as well as early-learning and childcare projects
From 19 April, we will see a return of elite sport and training for and playing of adult inter county National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including minor or under 20 competitions.
If the health situation allows, the government said that further easing of restrictions will be considered from 4 May.
Dr Ronan Glynn has called on the public to take care in the meantime:
He said: “1 – Please continue to work from home where possible. Please do not take our children returning to school tomorrow as a signal to return to the workplace
2 – Avoid mixing indoors with people from other households
3 – Even if meeting outdoors please watch your distance and only meet up with people from one other household at a time
4 – If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 isolate and contact your GP to arrange a free test
5 – Remember you are not properly protected until 2 weeks after your second COVID-19 vaccination.”