The Government’s decision to place the country on a Level 3 footing as part of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 for the for the next three weeks will have wide-ranging implications for us all.
The decisions made today will apply from midnight tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6th when all remaining counties will be placed on Level 3.
According to the Government information website, this action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus across the country.
Level 3 for Three Weeks
All counties will be at Level 3 for a period of 3 weeks until midnight on 27th October 2020, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.
In addition, in recognising that Level 3 is being extended in Dublin and Donegal beyond the three-week period, businesses in these counties will be eligible for a further 20% and 10% top-up respectively.
Placing all counties at Level 3 has the following implications:
- visitors to private homes and gardens should be limited to a maximum number of 6 from one other household.
- no social/family gatherings should take place, with exemptions to this for weddings and funerals (see below).
- no organised indoor gatherings should take place. Organised outdoor gatherings are permitted, up to a maximum of 15 people.
- people should remain in their county (they must not leave to travel either domestically or internationally), with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.
- people are asked to work from home unless absolutely necessary.
- schools, early learning and childcare services should remain open. Adult and higher education institutions should remain open, but are asked to review protective measures and take steps to limit congregation as much as possible.
- you are asked to walk or cycle where possible so that public transport is available for use by essential workers and for essential work only
Sport – Behind Closed Doors
- no matches or other sporting events should take place, with the exception of professional, elite, inter county and senior club championship – all to take place behind closed doors.
- horse racing may continue, but behind closed doors.
- non-contact training activities can continue in the outdoors and in pods of up to 15, with certain exemptions (see below).
- indoor training should be confined to individuals only and no classes are to take place.
Business and Services
- all retail shops and shopping centres may remain open. All services such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, opticians etc. may remain open with strict adherence to sectoral guidance on protective measures
- all outdoor playgrounds, play areas, parks remain open
- gyms/leisure centres, swimming pools may remain open for individual use only and with protective measures.
- hotels, guesthouses and B and Bs may remain open, but with services limited to residents.
- restaurants and cafes (including bars/pubs serving food/wet pubs) may remain open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining/service to an absolute maximum of 15 people. Wet pubs in Dublin remain closed.
- libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect
- all indoor museums, galleries, cinemas and other cultural attractions should close
- religious services will move online, though places of worship may remain open for private prayer
Over 70s and Medically Vulnerable
- those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to continue to exercise personal judgement
- it is recommended that they stay at home as much as possible, limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced
- when taking exercise outdoors, it is important to maintain 2 metres distance from others and wash hands on returning home
- it is recommended to shop during designated hours only, while wearing a face covering, and to avoid public transport
Business Supports
We understand that these restrictions will have a significant impact on businesses and employment around the country.
In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant will be provided to help support those affected through the three-week period.
Businesses who have previously benefited from the Restart Grant Restart Grant will be eligible to re-apply for this top-up.
This is in addition to the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 provided through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.
Other employment and income supports, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, as well as the full range of employment, training and support services for affected workers, will also continue to be made available. The final cost will depend on numbers of additional claimants.
Weddings / Funerals / Visiting the Sick
- weddings may proceed, but with a limit of 25 guests for ceremony and reception (irrespective of venue). It will not be possible to attend a wedding in another county. Couples resident in a particular county, but with existing plans to get married can travel to get married outside that county.
- maximum number of mourners to attend a funeral is 25.
- visits to long term residential care facilities are suspended, with the exception of visits required for critical and compassionate circumstances
- public transport operates at 50% capacity
- non-contact training activities can continue in the outdoors and in pods of up to 15 with strict adherence to the relevant protective measures. There is an exemption to this for professional or elite athletes, for inter-county sports and for senior club championship training
- no matches or other sporting events should take place, with the exception of professional, elite, inter county and senior club championship which should take place behind closed doors. Horse racing may continue, but behind closed doors.
- nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Travel for Work and Essential Purposes
- travel to and from work, or for the purposes of work and where that work cannot be done from home
- to attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products
- for vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, but excluding social family visits.
