Press release
Taoiseach confirms Ireland ready to move to Phase 2
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Accelerated Roadmap allows for more rapid reopening of society and business
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, has today (Friday) confirmed that Ireland can move to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business from Monday June 8th. You can see the full details contained in Phase 2 here.
The government has also announced an acceleration of the Roadmap, which has been made possible thanks to the progress made by the Irish people in suppressing the virus, meaning certain sectors and public amenities can open earlier than previously planned. All retail stores can open from this Monday, and it is planned that the domestic tourism sector and some hospitality operators can resume from 29 June.
The acceleration of the Roadmap has been made possible thanks to the high level of compliance with social distancing and hygiene measures, and it’s vital that this continues to ensure that further progress can be made. The advice remains still to Stay Local and also to continue working from home if possible.
Speaking today the Taoiseach said:
“Today, I can confirm that it is safe to move to Phase 2 of the plan to reopen our country from Monday. This has been made possible by the considerable sacrifices you have made to restrict the spread of the virus and protect each other.
“Thanks to your perseverance in pushing back COVID-19 I am announcing an acceleration of the Roadmap. Over the last few months fear has exerted a kind of gravity pulling us down, but now we find there is hope lifting us up again.
“During this emergency we have suffered as a country, lost loved ones, and changed the way we work and live. We are making progress. We are heading in the right direction. And we have earned the right to be hopeful about the future.”
Based on the medical evidence, the recommendations of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and Government reports on the economic and social impact of COVID-19, Cabinet today agreed to implement all elements of Phase 2 and to bring forward the actions in the remaining phases. As we move into Phase 2, it is important that we continue to limit travel and people are being urged to Stay Local.
Under the reconfiguration of the Roadmap, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on 29 June, and Phase 4 on 20 July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Some measures such as bans on mass gatherings may need to remain in place well into August as will public health advice around hygiene and physical distancing.
It is vital as we accelerate the Roadmap, that we all continue to stick to the basic hygiene and social distancing measures that have become a part of our daily lives; washing our hands regularly, keeping 2 metres apart, observing coughing etiquette and avoiding crowded places.
Under Phase 2, from Monday 8 June, the following changes will come into effect:
A new Summer Education Programme for children with special educational needs and disadvantage, will also commence, as the indications are that it is now safe to do so. The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, will bring proposals in this regard to Government next week.
The focus of the programme will be on students and young people with complex needs – including those who live with significant behavioural, social, emotional and sensory difficulties. Children with Down Syndrome will be included as part of our plans for this summer.
Shopping centres can reopen on 15 June provided only shops open and measures are taken to ensure people do not congregate at benches, fountains or food courts.
It is hoped that in three weeks’ time we will be able to move to a more advanced Phase 3, which would include:
It is anticipated that places of worship will also be able to reopen from this point.
Social distancing measures will mean that capacity on public transport will remain very restricted, so people are encouraged to only use public transport for essential journeys, and wearing a face covering is recommended when doing so.
ENDS