Ireland placed on full Level 5 Restrictions of the Plan for Living with COVID-19

The government has today agreed that Level 5 as set out in the Plan for Living with COVID-19 will apply nationally.

This will come into effect at midnight tonight, 30 December for all measures, with the exception of non-essential retail and gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools. These businesses should close from close of business on 31 December. Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until midnight on 31 January 2021.

The government has considered a number of factors in arriving at this decision, particularly NPHET concerns that the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 has continued to deteriorate very substantially.

It is recognised that this decision will have an impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, but the clear message is that we must all now stay at home, with the exception of essential purposes, in order to stop the spread of the virus. Supports such as the PUP and the CRSS will continue to be made available to those impacted. A double payment of the CRSS, up to a maximum of €5,000 a week will be available to those subject to restrictions this week and next week. Furthermore, businesses affected will be able to avail of commercial rates relief for the first three months of 2021. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also available to help maintain people in jobs, along with extensive tax warehousing arrangements, reduced VAT rates, the spend and stay scheme, a range of reduced cost loans, grants and voucher schemes.

The government further agreed that the ban on air travel and passenger travel on ferries from the UK will be extended to 6 January. As a similar new strain has been identified in South Africa, this ban will also apply to South Africa until 6 January.

Overview of restrictions

Family and social gatherings

no visitors are permitted in private homes/gardens (except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble)
no social/family gatherings should take place in other settings
people may meet with people from one other household in outdoor settings when taking exercise

Weddings and funerals

weddings planned up to and including 2 January may proceed as planned, up to a maximum of 25 guests. Weddings from 3 January may proceed, but with a maximum of 6 guests
funerals may have up to 10 mourners

Domestic travel restrictions

people will be required to stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, and will be permitted to take exercise within 5km of home
people away from their place of residence on 31 December will be permitted to return to their place of residence

Retail and personal services

all retail, other than essential retail must close from close of business on 31 December
all non-essential services remain closed
click and collect services will be available

Work

work from home unless essential for work which is an essential health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home

Schools, early learning and childcare services, higher and adult education

early learning and childcare services open with protective measures
schools open from 11 January with further review on precise situation in advance of that date
higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online

ENDS

Notes

List of essential retailers: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/

List of essential services: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/

Further detail on Level 5 restrictions

Business, training, arts events

no organised indoor events should take place
no organised outdoor events should take place

Museums, galleries and other cultural venues

all museums, galleries and other indoor cultural attractions closed

Hospitality

bars, cafes, restaurants, including hotel restaurants/bars can offer take away food and delivery only
nightclubs, discos and casinos closed
hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. Anyone staying in a hotel on 30 December may complete their stay

Sport and exercise

Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes. No indoor or outdoor gatherings involving “individual training” except for exempted groups.

no matches or events to take place – professional, elite sports, horse-racing and greyhound racing and approved equestrian events only are permitted to continue behind closed doors
gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools should close from close of business on 31 December
no indoor or outdoor exercise group activities including those involving children should take place.
golf and tennis should not proceed

Public transport

people are requested to walk or cycle where possible and to avoid public transport, so it can be used by essential workers for essential purposes only. Public transport capacity is restricted to 25%

outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks to remain open
LTRC facilities visiting: suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances
over 70s and medically vulnerable - each person should exercise individual judgement and there is specific guidance provided