From Department of the Taoiseach;  Department of Health

Published at: 19 June 2020 – Last updated 16 July 2020

Introduction

These measures are currently in place.

These measures are part of the third phase of lifting the public health restrictions that were put in place to protect us all from COVID-19. They come into effect on top of the measures announced as part of phase 2.

They are part of Ireland’s roadmap for reopening society and business.

Public health measures

Easing of stay local

You can now travel anywhere in Ireland.

Face coverings

From the 16th July face coverings should be worn by all customers in shops and shopping centres across the country. Retail staff will also be required to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Regulations, with details on enforcement and penalties are in the process of being drafted.

Face coverings are required on public transport.

Education and childcare

The following may reopen:

  • all adult education facilities
  • creches, childminding facilities and pre-schools
  • summer camps
  • youth clubs
  • all indoor and outdoor amenities for children

Economic activity and work

Anyone who can work from home should continue to work from home wherever possible.

Businesses that can reopen

The following may reopen:

  • wellbeing services – for example: chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology and homoeopathy
  • hairdressers, barbers, nail and brow salons, beauty salons, spas, make-up application services, tanning, tattooing and piercing services
  • driving schools
  • all remaining retail (for example, bookmakers), services and commercial activities

Driving tests as well as volunteer and other driving services may recommence.

Compliance with work protocols and health guidance will be monitored by State agencies.

Social

Social visits to people’s homes should be limited to a maximum of 10 visitors – from no more than 4 other households. This is to allow for physical distancing of 2 metres and for adequate ventilation if they are taking place indoors.

Indoor gatherings

Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible.

Outdoor gatherings

Outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible.

Businesses that can reopen

The following may reopen:

  • cafés and restaurants providing on premises food and beverages
  • pubs and hotel bars operating as restaurants
  • hotels, hostels, caravan parks and holiday parks

Music

Specific recommendations apply to singing, choirs and playing musical instruments in groups.

Note: All of the above are subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Cultural and religious

The following may reopen:

  • museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls and other cultural outlets
  • cinemas, music venues (excluding nightclubs and discos), leisure facilities, bingo halls, arcades, skating rinks, amusements parks
  • religious buildings and places of worship

Note: All of the above are subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Sport

Sporting activities may recommence, including:

  • team leagues for adults and children
  • close contact sports
  • organised sporting spectator events and fixtures

The following may reopen:

  • indoor gyms and exercise facilities
  • yoga, pilates and dance studios
  • sports clubs and public swimming pools

Note: All of the above are subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Transport and travel

Walk or cycle if possible.

Public transport

  • social distancing means that overall capacity remains restricted
  • use public transport only for essential journeys
  • face coverings should be worn
  • avoid peak-time travel

International travel

  • all non-essential overseas travel should be avoided
  • passengers arriving from overseas are expected to restrict their movements for 14 days
  • passengers will also have to complete a Passenger Locator Form

Tourist travel to offshore islands may resume.

Private transport

Tour, event and private bus use, and vehicle hire may recommence.

Advice for those over 70 years or medically vulnerable

As part of the easing of restrictions, the HPSC public health advice for those who are over 70 years of age and people who are extremely medically vulnerable has been updated. This is available online to support you, your family and/or carers. The cocooning guidance is designed to help you to minimise risk of COVID-19 infection. As the risk cannot be completely eliminated, you will need to decide what is right for you and your health.

If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable, please use your judgement to decide how best to apply the following health guidance:

  • stay home as much as you can
  • maintain social distancing with visitors/those whom you visit and use face coverings
  • use the times specially allotted for shopping
  • use face coverings when attending shops or busy public areas