Taoiseach Micheal Martin has announced that the country is moving to Level 5 restrictions until December.
The six week lockdown comes after a surge of Covid-19 cases in multiple counties, with 1,031 confirmed today alone.
There are some exceptions to the Level 5 roadmap the government initially published.
CONFIRMED: Six weeks of level 5 from Wednesday (midnight)
— Tom Douglas (@TomDouglas95) October 19, 2020
Level 5 - What Does It Mean For Me?
School and childcare to remain open.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin says the future for children can't be another victim of the disease.
He adds, "They need their education."
Stay At Home Travel Limit
People should stay within 5km of their homes, similar to earlier in the pandemic.
No home visits should take place, in your house OR your garden.
It is possible to meet with 1 other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for exercise.
No other social or family gatherings should take place.
No organised indoor gatherings, like conferences or arts events should take place.
The exception to this is below, Social Support Bubbles.
Nursing Homes And Care Homes
Visiting a nursing home or a care home are suspended.
The only exceptions to this are on compassionate or critical circumstances.
Working
Only essential workers are permitted to travel to work, the rest should work from home.
Pandemic Unemployment Payment
There will be enhanced financial supports through PUP & the wage subsidy scheme.
The PUP is to return to €350 per week, for people who were earning more than €400 per week before the pandemic.
Mental Health Supports
The Taoiseach has also confirmed new supports for mental health services.
He did not go into detail in his speech, more detail to come.
Social Support Bubbles To Be Allowed
Micheal Martin confirmed that a "support bubble" will be allowed.
That's where you can pair with one other household, in order to visit those who are vulnerable or live alone.
Sports And Fitness
Kids groups of up to 15 can continue non-contact training outdoors.
Pro and elite sports like Inter County GAA and LOI football can continue behind closed doors.
Horse/Greyhound racing can continue without fans too.
However Gyms, leisure centres and pools closed.
Pubs Restaurants, Bars And Hotel Bars
These businesses will operate as takeaways only.
This includes hotel-based restaurants and bars.
It also includes Cafés.
Wet pubs in Dublin remain closed.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Weddings & Funerals
25 guests can go to a wedding, no change.
Up to 10 people can attend a funeral.
Other Religious Services
Religious services should be held online.
Construction Work
Government now considers construction to be essential.
Projects will continue.
Retail And Shopping
Essential retail should stay open only.
Minister Eamon Ryan has urged people to shop click and collect, or for delivery.
The Green Party leader has also called for us to support Irish business.
Museums, Galleries and Libraries
They will close.
Libraries can deal with patrons online, click and collect.
Penalties For Breaking The Rules
A graduated system of penalties is being examined to enforce the travel restrictions.
