The government has moved the entire country into Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.
Taoiseach Michael Martin confirmed the move a short while ago at a briefing in Government Buildings.
The restrictions will begin at midnight on Wednesday October 21 and last until December 2 – however a review will be carried out after four weeks.
It’s understood that Government expect over 200,000 more people to be out of work under new Level 5 restrictions.
In light of this, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be restored to €350 for those on €400 or more who are laid off during the coming lockdown.
While those who were previously on €400 per week or more and are now on €300, will be automatically upped to €350.
The Government’s Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also to get a major overhaul to correspond with plans to introduce more severe Covid-19 restrictions.
At present, for every employee paid between €203 and €1,462 gross per week, the subsidy is €203 while for every employee paid between €151.50 and €202.99 it is €151.50.
Under the new scheme there will be four rates with €203 paid for every employee earning between €151 and €203 a week; €250 for those paid between €204 and €300; €300 for those paid between €300 and €400 and €350 for those earning between €400 and €1,462
A number of changes from the original Level 5 plan have also been confirmed.
People can meet up outdoors with one other household away from their home while weddings are to stay at 25 guest until end of year.
The GAA inter-county championships, elite sports and horse racing can take place during the Level 5 restrictions.
Schools, childcare and universities are also to remain open.
Construction and manufacturing industries will remain open under the plan, while people will also only be able to exercise within five kilometres of their homes.
Many non-essential retail outlets and hairdressers will have to close, while a reduction in off-licence opening hours is also under consideration.
Bars and restaurants will be permitted to stay open by they can only offer a take away service.
Other essential workers can travel to work – everyone else must work from home.
Social bubbles will be created for those living alone – so that they are not left isolated.
Taoiseach Martin said: “Many people have done everything that has been asked of them – but some have not.
“In the effort to suppress the virus, we have imposed what is probably Europe’s strictest regime… This has not been enough.
“The evidence of a potentially very damaging surge in Covid-19 was too great to ignore.
“These are the toughest of times – but the Irish people will prevail.”
Below is what Level 5 says on the gov.ie website, but expect that to be updated in the coming days:
LEVEL 5
At Level 5, the public health risk means that you will be asked to stay at home, except to exercise within 5 kilometres of your home. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings.
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
Own household only – no visitors.
Other settings outside your home or garden
No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Weddings
Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised indoor gatherings
No organised indoor gatherings should take place.
Organised outdoor gatherings
No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.
Exercise and sporting events
Training
Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals
Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed. Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery only.
Wet pubs
Take away or delivery only.
Nightclubs, discos, casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay at home. Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.
Schools, creches and higher and adult education
Recommendations based on situation and evidence at time.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn. Walk or cycle where possible. Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%. Avoid public transport – essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
