Welcome to ‘Phase Two Plus’.

As the next part of the roadmap to reopen Ireland proceeds, more of the lockdown restrictions that have been in place since early May have now been eased as we begin the return to normality.

The travel limit is now extended to anywhere in the county, which opens up beaches, parks and forests that will feel like a wonderland of adventure for those of us who have been cooped up at home for months.

In happy news for kids, playgrounds open up this morning and summer camps can be arranged for groups of 15 children or less.

All retail businesses are opening up again too, provided scheduled times are offered for vulnerable customers. All going well, Phase Three is scheduled to start on June 29th, 2020.

PHASE TWO: These are the changes that are in place from today:

Travel and visiting

As of today, the advice is still to avoid unnecessary journeys wherever possible but you will be able to travel anywhere in the county, a relief from the constraints of the 5-kilometre limit which has been in place since May 5th.

Up to six people may visit another household for a short period of time but everyone must keep at least two metres apart from people they don’t live with.

Those who are cocooning can also have a small number of visitors to their home, provided the visitors wear gloves, face coverings and keep at least two metres away from the person who is cocooning.

Going to work

Workers who work on their own or those who can keep a two-metre distance from others can return to work, although remote working is still recommended for all workers or businesses that can currently do so.

Bars and restaurants

Most of these will remain closed for now but the hospitality sectors, including bars that have a food menu and can arrange table service, will be permitted to reopen on June 29th.

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. According to the HSE: “Wearing of cloth face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others.”

Group exercise

Groups of up to 15 people can take part in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, involving team sports training in small groups (but not matches) where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact.

Funerals

A slightly larger number of people (25) will be permitted to attend funerals but numbers will still be restricted to immediate family and close friends and limited to a maximum number of mourners, where social distancing can be maintained.

Libraries
Public libraries may open so long as the numbers allowed in are limited, social distancing is observed and there is strict hand-sanitising in place for anyone who goes into the library.