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. Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions came into place on 8 June. Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions came into place on 29 June.
On July 16th the Irish Government delayed phase 4 Re-opening until August 10th subject to Government approval and phase 3 lifting COVID-19 restrictions have been updated, see details below. (edit:on August 4th it was decided that phase 4 would not go ahead on August 10th and would be reviewed again in 3 weeks. On August 8th, due to clusters in meat factories, local restrictions to last for two weeks were introduced in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly. On August 10th face coverings became mandatory in retail and other indoor settings ) :-
- Face coverings
The Irish Government agreed on July 16th that 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.
- Pubs, bars, nightclubs
Given the risk of the spread of infection associated with social gatherings, as well as the evidence of outbreaks from bars and pubs in other countries, pubs, bars, hotel bars, nightclubs and casinos will remain closed until 10th August. Pubs and bars, which are currently operating while serving food, can remain open once they are fully compliant with the public health guidance.
- Social visits
There is evidence that unrestricted house parties have led to a rise in recent outbreaks of the virus. It is now recommended that social visits to people’s homes will now be limited to a maximum of 10 visitors – from no more than 4 other households.
- Mass Gatherings
The current restrictions of 50 people at indoor gatherings and 200 people at outdoor gatherings is being extended until 10th August.
- Foreign Travel and The Green List
The Government is continuing to advise against all non-essential foreign travel. The global situation is deteriorating and there are growing concerns about re-emergence of the virus in Ireland as a result of overseas travel.
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Phase 4 of Ireland’s Roadmap for reopening society and business has been delayed until 10 August, subject to government approval. Ireland has done well so far but we only need to look at the USA to see how it can go wrong so quickly if people don’t follow the simple guidelines. We must practice the normal things to make sure we do not catch or spread the virus such as the following:-
- Staying at home if at all possible
- social distancing (keeping at least 2 metres away from other people)
- wear a mask if social distancing is not 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
Remember to continue to follow HSE guidelines when posting jobs on our website.
You can see further information about the Roadmap for Reopening here
At Tradesmen.ie, we are continuing to provide our service while adhering to the guidelines. We would strongly encourage all our users (homeowners and tradesmen) to wear face coverings where physical distancing is not possible and to follow the other advice on handwashing and cough ethiquette etc.
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 yet again 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 18th July
