Two fully vaccinated people will be allowed to meet indoors under plans announced by the government this afternoon.
On April 5th nothing will change. From April 12th people will be allowed to travel within their county. Construction on houses and apartments will resume and two fully vaccinated people will be allowed to meet indoors.
All school classes will also return on the 12th. From April 19th intercounty GAA training can resume. Then on April 26th, outdoor individual sports like golf and tennis can resume along with non-contact sports training for children. Places of heritage, zoos and some attractions can re-open. And the number of people allowed at funerals has increased to 25.
The full details from government as well as dates of changes to the Covid roadmap are below
The month of April
The following phased easing of restrictions will begin on 12 April and continue through the month:
• Full return to in-school teaching.
• Two households can meet up with one another outdoors for social and recreational purposes (this does not include private gardens). Any meetings outdoors should be safe with continued practicing of social distancing and other safe behaviours. Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces.
• Travel restrictions will be relaxed to enable travel within own county or within 20km of residence if crossing county boundaries.
• Construction:
- All residential construction projects can recommence.
- Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services will be added to list of essential services for construction activity during these restrictions to align with the current exemption to primary and secondary schools (where school building projects are progressing) and to allow important fire safety works to progress.
From 19 April:
Expansion of elite sports to include:
• training for and playing of National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult intercounty National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including under 20 or minor competitions.
• certain high-performing athletes as approved by Sport Ireland, in a range of sports.
From 26 April (subject to prevailing public health situation):
• Outdoor sports facilities can reopen (e.g. pitches, golf courses and tennis courts, other facilities as appropriate).
• Outdoor visitor attractions can reopen (i.e. zoos, open pet farms, heritage sites). Amusement parks are not permitted to open.
• Underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 can recommence for all exercise activities that can be delivered outdoors including dance.
• Maximum attendance at funerals will increase to 25 on compassionate grounds. Linked gatherings should not take place before or after funeral services.
Vaccine Bonus for those fully vaccinated
• Current guidance for those most vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19 – the over 70s and the medically vulnerable - will be aligned with that for the general population (e.g. regarding use of public transport, going to shops etc)
• Those who have the full protection of the vaccine may visit indoors with one other household who also has full protection. See notes to editors for further details
The measures announced today will continue up to the 4th of May, at which point the following areas will be under consideration:
Full re-opening of construction activity.
Phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail i.e. garden centres/nurseries.
Recommencement of Personal Services on a staggered basis.
Re-opening of Museums, Galleries & Libraries
Recommencement of religious services on a staggered basis
