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Phase Two of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions comes into force from today.<\/p>\nPhase Two of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions comes into force from today.<\/p>\n
Many shops will open, while people’s travel limits have been significantly extended.<\/p>\n
From today, the advice from Government remains working from home where possible and avoiding unnecessary journeys.<\/p>\n
In what Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described as \u201cphase two plus\u201d of his Government\u2019s lockdown exit plan, a series of restrictions will be lifted from Monday.<\/p>\n
Work was underway across the weekend at shops to prepare their premises for reopening with social distancing markers being placed on the ground as well as signage.<\/p>\n
People’s travel area has been significantly extended – it’s been changed from a 5km radius around your home to anywhere within your own county or 20km from your house – whichever is further.<\/p>\n
Groups of up to six can meet outdoors or indoors while observing social distancing.<\/p>\n
While for those who have been cocooning – it is now possible for small groups of people to visit their homes, only while wearing face coverings and gloves.<\/p>\n
Up to 25 friends and family will now be allowed to attend funerals, that has changed from 10 – which has been in place since mid-March.<\/p>\n
Shops will be allowed re-open from today – however those in shopping centers will have to wait a bit longer.<\/p>\n
They will be required to have staggered opening hours, while none will be allowed to open their doors until 10.30am.<\/p>\n
And, from this morning public transport is being restored to pre-Covid levels, with the advice to not use during peak hours unless you are an essential worker – and to wear a face covering.<\/p>\n
Marts may reopen, and horse and greyhound racing can resume without spectators.<\/p>\n
In the North, lockdown easements will also apply from today.<\/p>\n
They include allowing those who are shielding to spend time outside with a person from another household, with social distancing observed.<\/p>\n
Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies may take place outdoors with no more than 10 people in attendance, while the needs or welfare of animals can be tended to.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, New Zealand has eradicated the coronavirus from its shores after health officials reported on Monday that the final person known to have been infected had recovered.<\/p>\n
The news swiftly led to the country\u2019s government announcing all forms of public events can again take place without limitations or social distancing guidelines.<\/p>\n
It has been 17 days since the last new case was reported in New Zealand, and Monday also marked the first time since late February there had been no active cases.<\/p>\n