Hi folks,
In Ireland the Covid-19 Corona Virus lockdown began on Friday 27th March 2020. From 18 May 2020, Phase 1 of Ireland’s Roadmap for reopening came into place. I have summarised some of the main points below that relate to retail, work and construction:-
Wearing of face coverings
Wearing a cloth face covering is recommended in situations where it is difficult to practice social distancing, for example, in shops or on busy public transport. Wearing of cloth face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others. You can see more information on face coverings here
Stay at home
You should still stay at home as much as you possibly can.
Meeting small groups outside
Up to 4 people who don’t live together can meet outdoors while keeping at least 2 metres apart.
Shops and other commercial businesses
Shops that can reopen:-
- hardware stores
- builders merchants and those providing essential supplies and tools for gardening
- farming and agriculture; garden centres and farmers markets
- Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services, selling hearing aids and appliances
- retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs)
- office products and services; electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores
Outdoor shops
Shops that are mainly outdoor (for example: garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets) can reopen so long as social distancing measures can be put in place.
Shops that are mainly outdoor (for example: garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets) can reopen so long as social distancing measures can be put in place.
Work
People who work outdoors
A phased return of outdoor workers (for example: construction workers, gardeners, including people working on allotments) will be allowed. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.
Remote working
Remote working is to continue for all workers or businesses that can do so.
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Despite these gradual easing of restrictions, please remember that the virus is a threat and you must practice the normal things to make sure you do not catch or spread the virus such as the following:-
- Staying at home if at all possible
- washing your hands properly and often
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
- not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- social distancing (keeping at least 2 metres away from other people)
Remember to continue to follow HSE guidelines when posting jobs on our website to make sure that work you are carrying out is permitted under the guidelines.
In addition to the items listed above, there are also small changes to the restrictions on funerals, exercising in small groups, some sports activities within a 5km limit, access to schools and colleges by teachers for organisation and distribution of remote learning, outdoor spaces for sport and tourism. You can see the full list of the Phase 1 Roadmap for re-opening on the Government website here
At Tradesmen.ie, we are continuing to provide our service within the restrictions that apply. Please feel free to look for quotes but only work that complies with the government guidelines should be carried out until these restrictions are lifted.
You can keep up to date with news from the Government and the HSE at www.gov.ie and www.hse.ie
If you, or a member of your family are experiencing symptoms potentially linked to Coronavirus, please call the HSE on 1850 241 850, follow the advice on www.hse.ie and contact your family Doctor.
We all have a personal responsibility to follow the guidelines that are in place. In particular, I would encourage everyone to wear face coverings to protect others. If we all abide by the guidelines we will have a much better chance of getting over this pandemic as soon as possible.
Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
18 May 2020
