THE PHASED REOPENING OF SOCIETY & BUSINESS
4 people max, at 2m apart
PHASE ONE (MAY 18)
Meetings between people from different households can take place outdoors.
The 5km travel restriction remains in place and people will have to continue to refrain from nonessential journeys.
Childcare will be available for healthcare workers in their own homes.
Outdoor workers may start to return to work but people who can work from home will continue to do so.
Home and hardware shops return alongside opticians, electrical and phone shops, stationary stores, motor mechanics and bike repair shops.
Some public facilities will return to use such as playing fields, tennis courts and golf courses for fitness activities capped to a maximum of four people. Tourism sites may reopen, as can beaches and walks.
PHASE TWO (JUNE 8)
The 5km travel restriction is pushed out to 20km but unnecessary journeys are still to be avoided.
People cocooning are to be given specific shopping hours under strict conditions around social distancing and the use of protective equipment.
People can visit other households in small groups of up to four people.
Schools and colleges will reopen to teachers and facilitate remote learning.
Slightly larger groups will be allowed to attend funerals.
Small retail outlets with the ability to control the number of customers allowed in at one time can reopen.
Marts may also reopen with strict social distancing conditions in place.
Public libraries return.
Small groups participating in team sports can return to training but not play matches.
PHASE THREE (JUNE 29)
The phased reopening of creches and childcare services can begin to care for the children of essential workers.
People employed in “low-interaction” work can return but people who can work from home will continue to do so.
The high streets return. Any non-essential retailers with street level access may reopen.
Playgrounds will reopen and some “behind closed doors” sporting activity can take place.
Cafes and restaurants can return with social distancing measures in place to protect customers and staff.
Restrictions will be enforced on numbers travelling to and in town and city centres, with social distancing and hygiene measures enforced on public transport.
PHASE FOUR (JULY 20)
Small social gatherings will be permitted for family events, such as small weddings or baptisms.
Slightly larger gatherings can take place in a person’s home.
Travel restrictions will be eased to allow people travel further.
Creches, childminders and preschool services will be available again for the children of all workers.
Those who cannot work remotely may return to work. Hours will have to be staggered in many work places.
Some work involving physical contact with another person can return, allowing for hairdressers, barbers and other higher-risk businesses to open.
Cultural centres, such as museums and art galleries can open. Churches and other places of worship will also be able to open.
Some sports leagues can come back and swimming pools reopen.
Other businesses in the hospitality sector can return to help the tourism industry come back. These include hotels, hostels, holiday parks and other tourist activities but with limited occupancy.
PHASE FIVE (AUGUST 10)
Larger social gatherings can take place.
Schools, third level bodies and adult education centres can reopen on a phased basis to prepare to the upcoming academic year.
The phased return to workplaces in all sectors will begin but anyone who can work remotely will continue to do so.
Shopping centres reopen.
Other high-risk businesses, such as tattoo parlours and ear piecing services may return.
Pubs and nightclubs return alongside theatres and cinemas if social distancing measures are in place.
Sports involving close contact, such as rugby and boxing can begin to return.
Gyms reopen.
Visiting restriction at nursing homes, hospitals and prisons lifted.
Festivals, sporting fixtures and other gatherings can take place with caps on the numbers of people attending (outdoor and indoor).