A handy map that lets people see what is within a 5km radius of their home now lets you see where you can meet someone that lives further away.
The 2kmfromhome website has become extremely popular with Irish users as it allows people to see how far they can travel during lockdown.
The site lets users check within a range of distance - which will be very useful when lockdown is eased further from Monday and people can travel within 20km from their homes.
But if, for example, you live in Lucan and you have a friend who lives in Balbriggan then it's still too far for you to visit each other.
However, the site has added a new feature that allows users to see what areas overlap within both 20km ranges.
So in our example above, you may not be able to meet your friend near their home but you could both head to somewhere like Ashbourne for an outdoor catch-up.
The Government is expected to announce the move to Phase Two of the easing of lockdown restrictions tomorrow.
What changes in phase two?
Public health measures
- Stay at home
The advice will be to still avoid unnecessary journeys wherever possible.
You will be able to travel up to 20 kilometres away from your home as opposed to the 5 kilometre limit which was in place since 5 May.
- Social visits
Up to 4 people may visit another household for a short period of time but everyone must keep at least 2 metres apart from people they don't live with.
- Cocooning
Shops will provide dedicated hours for those who are cocooning (people over the age of 70 and those who are medically vulnerable) with strict social distancing and gloves made available. Shoppers should ideally wear face coverings.
Those who are cocooning can have a small number of visitors to their home. The visitors must wear gloves, face coverings and keep at least 2 metres away from the person who is cocooning.
- Funerals
A slightly larger number of people can be in attendance at funerals but numbers will still be restricted to immediate family and close friends and limited to a maximum number of mourners (this number will be announced closer to 8 June) for a limited period of time where social distancing can be maintained.
Shops that can open
- Small retail shops
Small retail outlets can reopen with a small number of staff on the basis that the retailer can control the number of individuals that staff and customers interact with at any one time.
- Marts
Marts can be opened where social distancing can be maintained.
Sport and culture
- Libraries can open
Public libraries may open so long as the numbers allowed in are limited, social distancing is observed and there is strict hand-sanitising in place for anyone who goes into the library.
- Group exercise
People can take part in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, involving team sports training in small groups (but not matches) where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact.
Work
Offices and workplaces that can implement social distancing may start to bring workers back.
But remote working is still recommended where possible.
