Taoiseach Micheal Martin

Ireland officially moves to Level 5 restrictions in effort to curb spiralling Covid-19 figures

- Non essential retail businesses ordered to close by Midnight on Wednesday

- Schools to remain open

- Measures to remain in place until December 2

- PUP will kick back in at €350 pw level

- GAA and Elite Sport to continue

Ireland is to go to Level 5 Lockdown by with full effect from Midnight on Wednesday with Taoiseach Micheal Martin announcing the new restrictions would be in place for six weeks.

The official announcement was made on the step of Govt buildings at 9pm this evening but the details of the new lockdown measure had been widely leaked through the day.

Agreement has been reached by the Cabinet to introduce Level 5 restrictions countrywide from midnight on Wednesday for six weeks (December 2) with a review after four weeks (November 18).

Schools will remain open and elite sports, including GAA inter-county championship matches, can proceed as planned.

Construction projects are permitted to continue and people can only exercise within five kilometres of their homes.

What's involved with Level 5?

Social and family gatherings

Own household only - no visitors.

Other settings outside your home or garden

No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.

Weddings

Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

Organised indoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.

For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).

No organised indoor gatherings should take place.

Organised outdoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.

No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.

Exercise and sporting events

Training

Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.

Matches and events

No matches or events to take place.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.

Religious services

Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer. Funerals. Up to 10 mourners can attend.

Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions

All venues closed.

Online services available.

Bars, cafes and restaurants (inc hotel restaurants and bars)

Take away food or delivery only.

Nightclubs, discos, casinos

Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.

Hotels and accommodation

Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.

Retail and services

(for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers) Face coverings must be worn. Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed.

Work

Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.

Domestic travel restrictions

Stay at home.

Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.

Schools, creches and higher and adult education

Recommendations based on situation and evidence at time.

Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks

Open with protective measures in place.

Transport

Face coverings must be worn. Walk or cycle where possible.

Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%.

Avoid public transport - essential workers and essential purposes only.

Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals

Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home. Specific guidance will be issued.

Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)

Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.