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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Cormac O'Shea

Lockdown Ireland Level 4: Retail changes, 5km rule gone and more outdoor gatherings

Much of the public are hoping to see a change in the level of restrictions once we reach the end of Level Five in Ireland.

Many of us are counting down the days until the restrictions change and the days become brighter.

Ireland currently sits at Level Five in the new Covid plan with no hope of budging until April 5 at the earliest.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed on Tuesday that the country would see a cautious reopening from that point.

The Fianna Fail leader told the nation: "So, if we can maintain downward pressure on the disease and keep our numbers low, we will then move into the next phase.

"There are a number of areas where we will be assessing progress when considering what changes may be possible.

"The Government will examine whether it will be safe to begin easing the restrictions on outdoor gatherings; some sporting activities; we will look at the gradual reopening of construction and we would like to move on the 5km limit on non-essential journeys."

The five-level plan is still part of the roadmap to normality and one would expect the next move in Ireland's reopening to be a jump to Level Four, at some point.

There is no guarantee this will happen, with a move to a Level Four plus also very likely at some point in April - but if the country was to move to Level Four, here's what would change.

Rules that would change at Level Four

5km rule

At Level Four, the 5km rule would be scrapped and people would be allowed to move freely in their county again.

Would retail change?

The likes of Penneys might not be able to open still, the plan states: "Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only. All other retail and personal services closed."

Hotels

Hotels would open for "existing guests, and those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes".

Wet pubs

Outdoor dining to max 15 patrons.

Restaurants and cafes

Take away food or delivery. No indoor dining. Outdoor dining to max 15 patrons.

Religious services

Places of worship remain open for private prayer. Services online.

Weddings

Up to 6 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception.

Gatherings

Visitors still aren't allowed in your household - wait for Level Three for some change there.

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