The government are set to move the country into Level 5 restrictions for a period of six weeks – starting on Wednesday at midnight.
The Irish Times are reporting that ‘Ministers will be asked at a Cabinet meeting currently underway in Government Buildings to approve a return to the tightest restrictions under the Government’s living with Covid plan’.
This would mean that the government is moving away from the enhanced Level 4 restrictions that had been flouted in recent days.
The Cabinet meeting began a short time ago and an official announcement is expected at some stage tonight.
It is believed that schools and construction will remain operation while most other sectors of the economy, except for essential services, will be forced to close.
It is also understood that elite sport, including the GAA championships, will be permitted to continue.
The move comes as Ireland continues to announce record daily amounts of new cases. While hospitalisations due to Covid-19 stand at 298 with 34 of these people in ICU.
Below is what is contained in the Level 5 restrictions as they currently stand:
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.
