Ireland Updates as Cabinet Call Emergency Meeting Over Level Five Lockdown

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan returned to chair the meeting of health experts tonight

Major changes and closures could be put in place across Ireland as the entire country faces a move to tougher coronavirus restrictions, it has been reported.

The National Public Health Emergency Team met this evening to discuss possible measures after a surge in coronavirus cases.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan returned to chair the meeting of health experts.

And health experts have written a letter to Government advising a Level Five lockdown.

The measures would effectively see a return to the lockdown we had in March and April.

Bars, pubs and restaurants around the country would only be allowed to open for takeaway or delivery.

While people would also be asked to stay within five kilometres of their home and only leave for essential reasons or exercise.

Cabinet is due to meet in the coming days to discuss the measures recommended by NPHET this evening.

Government officially update Level 5 rules amid \’imminent announcement\’

The Government has officially update its rules online for a Level 5 lockdown after a meeting with the Chief Medical Officer.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan all held talks with Dr Tony Holohan this morning, where he outlined NPHET’s case for a national lockdown.

The Cabinet is now expected to have a meeting to discuss NPHET’s proposals.

If it agrees to the recommendation, this would represent a return to the strictest possible public health measures, similar to those seen in April and May.

And the Government regulations for Level 5 restrictions have since been updated on its website for the first time since September 23, ahead of an announcement which is expected later today.

The rules for level five as it stands are as follows:

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 six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

Organised indoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.

For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).

No organised indoor gatherings should take place.

Organised outdoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.

No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.

Exercise and sporting events

Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.

No matches or events to take place.

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)

Face coverings must be worn.

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 others and in activities outside home. Specific guidance will be issued.

Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)

Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.