So Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal have been moved to Level 4 but what does that mean? What restrictions can we expect?
The measures come into effect at midnight on Thursday and will continue until November 10th.
In its five level plan the Government says:
- The priority at Level 4 is to keep schools and childcare services open, while keeping people safe.
- Only businesses and services which are essential will be open.
- No visitors to private homes or social gatherings will be allowed.
- All businesses and services will be closed, other than those deemed to be essential.
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden you can mix with your own household only.
No other social or family gatherings should take place in other settings outside your home or garden.
Weddings
Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised gatherings
No organised indoor gatherings should take place. For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport). Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors. For example: outdoor arts events or training events.
Exercise and sporting events
Training
Outdoors: Non-contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15.
Indoors: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes can take place.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place but professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral service.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed.
Online services available.
Hospitality
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars) can open for take away food or delivery. No indoor dining.
Outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Wet pubs can open with outdoor seating only, limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and other accommodation can open but only for existing guests, and those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn. Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work and travel
Only essential or other designated workers should go to work. Stay in your county (or other defined geographical area), unless you are travelling for essential work, education and other essential purposes.
Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures.
Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.
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.
