1. Introduction
2. Public health measures
3. Shops and other commercial businesses
4. Education and childcare
5. Work
6. Sport and tourism
7. Health and social care
8. Roadmap’s five phases
Introduction
These measures are set to come into effect on 18 May. They are a part of the roadmap for reopening society and business.
Public health measures
Wearing of face coverings
You can see the full guidance on when to wear face coverings here.
Stay at home
You should still stay at home as much as you possibly can.
Meeting small groups outside
Up to 4 people who don’t live together can meet outdoors while keeping at least 2 metres apart.
Funerals
The current restrictions will remain in place. Attendance at funerals is kept to a maximum of 10 people – and only members of the household, close family or close friends if the deceased has no household or family members.
Shops and other commercial businesses
Shops that can reopen
You can see the full list of shops that can reopen on May 18 here.
Outdoor shops
Shops that are primarily outdoor (for example: garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets) can reopen so long as social distancing measures can be put in place.
Education and childcare
Opening of schools and colleges
School and college buildings will be opened for access by teachers for organisation and distribution of remote learning.
Work
People who work outdoors
A phased return of outdoor workers (for example: construction workers, gardeners, including people working on allotments) will be allowed. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.
Remote working
Remote working is to continue for all workers or businesses that can currently do so.
Sport and tourism
Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces and tourism sites (for example: car parks, beaches, mountain walks) will be opened where people can move around freely and where social distancing can be maintained.
Public sports grounds
Public sport amenities (for example: pitches, tennis courts, golf courses) can be opened where social distancing can be maintained.
Group exercise
People can exercise – either on their own or in a group of no more than 4 people – where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact with other people.
Health and social care
There will be increased delivery of non-COVID-19 care and services alongside COVID-19 care to meet demand through:
- implementing measures to ensure the safe delivery of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care and services side by side
- continuing to deliver care and services in new ways (for example: through telephone, online, virtual clinics) and new models of care to meet demand and to alleviate concerns of patients, service users and healthcare workers
- the use of masks, personal protective equipment, testing and other measures that may emerge over time
- continuing to support the mental health and wellbeing initiatives directed to meeting the diverse mental health and resilience needs of the public during these times
Phase 1 – Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business
Roadmap’s five phases
The roadmap sets out Ireland’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions in five phases:
- 18 May (phase 1)
- 8 June (phase 2)
- 29 June (phase 3)
- 20 July (phase 4)
- 10 August (phase 5)
