Covid-19 Crisis: Update on New Restrictions

The Government is now asking people to stay at home if possible but this is NOT a lockdown. People can go outside to go to the shops, to exercise and to go to medical or dental appointments. They can also travel to their workplace if it’s absolutely necessary.

Individuals can visit families and loves ones, but should do so less frequently and in best of its in small groups. There seem to be a few differences between North and South most obviously the 4 versus 2 people in a gathering rule.

What’s New?

• All non-essential retail to close.
  • All theatres, clubs, gyms, hairdressers, betting offices, markets, and libraries.
  • That means any shops that aren’t food or medicine you will only be able to buy from them online.
• Supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.
  • Significantly raise the amount of money available on cashless card transactions.
• Restaurants and cafes can operate only for takeaway and delivery.
• Theatres, gyms, bingo halls, libraries and hairdressers to shut.
• All playgrounds and caravan parks to close.
  • A lot of people have been calling for this.
• All sport cancelled.
• Hotels only open for essential services.
• All scheduled cruise ships to Ireland will cease.

Work from home if at all possible

• Everyone must work from home unless it’s absolutely essential that they be at their place of work.

No unnecessary travel – No Lockdown on travel

• Don’t travel too much around Ireland
• Don’t travel overseas if you can avoid it

Education closures extended until 19 April

• Schools, Colleges, Creches closure to extend from 29 March to 19 April.

Physical distancing when outside

• Don’t gather in groups of more than four, unless you are from the same household.
• When outside, people should also maintain physical distancing, remaining over 2 metres.

Unlikely Gardaí will arrest people

• Taoiseach says they hope to use new powers sparingly and arresting people shouldn’t be necessary.
• Expect to see a lot more Gardaí in streets and Park Rangers in the parks.
• They will actively disperse groups and encourage people to move on.