The Taoiseach has announced that Ireland will enter phase one of its reopening 'roadmap' on Monday.
Leo Varadkar told the nation in a live address that the Cabinet and National Public Health Emergency Team are happy it is safe enough to proceed with the first step of the plan.
From Monday, there will be a number of changes to life in Ireland, including when you can leave your house.
When you can leave the house:
- to go to work, if your place of work is open and you cannot work from home
- to shop for items you need
- to exercise within 5km of your home
- for medical reasons or to care for others, and
- to meet friends or family outside, within 5km of your home, in groups of no more than four.
The Taoiseach also recommended that people wear face coverings when using public transport or when in enclosed areas such as retail outlets.
The Taoiseach said: "I can confirm that it is safe to proceed with Phase 1 of our plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions on Monday.
"This gives us reason to hope, but it is not a cause for celebration.
"We have a long way to go yet. There will be bumps in the road and we have to keep our guard up.”
