DUBLIN, Oct 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ireland will be the first EU country to return to coronavirus lockdown, prime minister Micheal Martin said, issuing a nationwide “stay at home” order but insisting schools will stay open.
Measures coming into effect for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday (2300 GMT) will also see all non-essential retail businesses close and bars and restaurants limited to takeaway service only.
“Everyone in the country is being asked to stay at home,” Martin said in a televised national address.
Only essential workers will be “permitted to travel to work”, he said, and citizens will be allowed out to exercise only within 5km of their residence.
The government warned in a statement that “there will be a penalty” for violating the 5km restriction and that public transport will operate at 25% capacity to serve essential workers only.
Martin said schools and childcare facilities are to remain open “because we cannot and will not allow our children and young people’s futures to be another victim of this disease”.
A ban on visits between different households and on indoor events will also be extended, although two households will be allowed to mix at outdoor venues such as parks.
A “social bubble” programme will also allow those living alone, at risk of social isolation or mental health issues, to mingle with one other household.
And unlike under the previous shutdown order issued in March, elite and professional level sports will be permitted behind closed doors across Ireland – which has suffered 1,852 deaths from the coronavirus.
Martin said the Republic’s present restrictions were “probably Europe’s strictest regime” but that “further action is now required”.
“If we pull together over the next six weeks, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way,” he said.
Ireland has generally taken a cautious stance in fighting the fight against coronavirus.
Daily deaths from the coronavirus in Ireland peaked at 77 in April and in recent weeks have consistently remained in the single digits, with none registered Monday.
However, like many other nations, the Republic is witnessing a resurgence in confirmed infections of the virus, with 1,031 new cases registered on Monday. — NNN-AGENCIES
