What Covid-19 Level 5 lockdown restrictions will ease on April 12?

The Government announced a phased easing of Covid-19 Level 5 public health lockdown restrictions on March 30.

The following easing of restrictions commence 12 April and continue through the month:

• full return to in-school teaching
• two households can meet up with one another outdoors for social and recreational purposes (this does not include private gardens).
• Any meetings outdoors should be safe with continued practising of social distancing and other safe behaviours.
• Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces
• travel restrictions will be relaxed to enable travel within own county or within 20km of residence if crossing county boundaries
• all residential construction projects can recommence
• Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services will be added to list of essential services for construction activity during these restrictions to align with the current exemption to primary and secondary schools (where school building projects are progressing) and to allow important fire safety works to progress

From 19 April

Expansion of elite sports to include:

• training for and playing of National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult intercounty National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including under 20 or minor competitions
• certain high performing athletes as approved by Sport Ireland, in a range of sports

From 26 April (subject to prevailing public health situation)

• outdoor sports facilities can reopen (for example: pitches, golf courses and tennis courts, other facilities as appropriate).
• outdoor visitor attractions can reopen (that is, zoos, open pet farms, heritage sites). Amusement parks are not permitted to open.
• underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 can recommence for all exercise activities that can be delivered outdoors including dance
• maximum attendance at funerals will increase to 25 on compassionate grounds. Linked gatherings should not take place before or after funeral services

Vaccine Bonus for those fully vaccinated

• current guidance for those most vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19 – the over 70s and the medically vulnerable - will be aligned with that for the general population (for example: regarding use of public transport, going to shops)
• those who have the full protection of the vaccine may visit indoors with one other household who also has full protection. 

The Government said on March 30 that the measures announced on that day would continue up to the 4th of May, at which point the following areas will be under consideration:

• full reopening of construction activity
• phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries
• recommencement of personal services on a staggered basis
• reopening of museums, galleries and libraries
• recommencement of religious services on a staggered basis