Irish Government announces new restrictions under Level 5

The Irish Government has imposed more restrictions on the country, as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise.

Announcing the latest lockdown, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said tighter restrictions are needed to fight the “deadly and ever-changing virus”.

People have been ordered to stay at home, and warned that the country may be entering the most challenging period since the outbreak of the pandemic last year.

Ireland had been on Level 5 restrictions with adjustments, but new rules have been introduced in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

While non-essential retail services, including hair and beauty businesses, have been closed since 24 December, they were permitted to offer click and collect services for customers.

Following a Cabinet meeting, such services are now banned, with immediate effect. Existing orders can still be collected, and click and deliver will continue to be allowed.

“If I was running a business right now I’d be considering the possibility that I’d be closed until the end of March,” said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Other new measures being introduced include a requirement for all those entering the country to show a negative Covid test. This is to be rolled out from the weekend, starting with people coming from the UK and South Africa.

The Government will then extend the requirement for a negative PCR test in the previous 72 hours to all passengers coming from other countries.

Schools are to remain closed until the end of this month, however Leaving Certificate students will attend class three days a week. An exception has also been made for special education schools and special classes in mainstream schools. All other teaching will move online.