All remaining counties to join Donegal and Dublin on Level 3

Dale Greenwood 05 Oct 2020
The Taoiseach addresses the nation.

THE Government has decided today that, from midnight October 6, all remaining counties will be placed on Level 3 under the Plan for Living with Covid-19.

This action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus across the country. All counties will be at Level 3 for a period of three weeks until midnight on October 27, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the Government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.

In addition, in recognising that Level 3 is being extended in Dublin and Donegal beyond the three-week period, businesses in these counties will be eligible for a further 20 per cent and 10 per cent top-up respectively.

Among the many implications of moving all counties to Level 3 are:

Visitors to private homes and gardens should be limited to a maximum number of six from one other household.

No social/family gatherings should take place, with exemptions to this for weddings and funerals.

No organised indoor gatherings should take place. Organised outdoor gatherings are permitted, up to a maximum of 15 people.

People should remain in their county (i.e. they must not leave to travel either domestically or internationally), with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.

People are asked to work from home unless absolutely necessary.

Schools, Early Learning and Childcare services should remain open. Adult and Higher Education Institutions should remain open, but are asked to review protective measures and take steps to limit congregation as much as possible.

You are asked to walk or cycle where possible so that public transport is available for use by essential workers and for essential work only.

The announcement will cause an economic meltdown for the restaurants and hospitality sector in Dublin, said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

“Putting Ireland’s entire restaurant/ hospitality industry on lLvel 3 restrictions is utterly disproportionate, devastating for workers and business owners, plus lacking in evidence based rationale,” he said.

Government must implement an emergency support package for these businesses across Ireland with immediate effect. We are also seeking an emergency meeting with the Taoiseach Michael Martin and Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, to discuss this support package that will salvage hospitality businesses and protect jobs.

Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said: “Words like ‘restrictions’ and ‘enforcement’ do not sit well with us. But once again the fight against Covid-19 calls for us to make sacrifices for the greater good.

“Those who carry responsibility for health and for society in NPHET and in Government have asked up front for our compliance to halt the spread of the virus.

“The impact of the coronavirus on our public health, wellbeing, mental health and economic life is already devastating for individuals and communities right across Ireland.

“We are now called upon to exercise commitment and compliance in the clear understanding that our lives and the lives of our neighbours, one by one, depend on our individual commitment to our civic duty in all parts of our lives.

 

 

Related News