A host of new restrictions were introduced with immediate effect last night as Ireland struggles to combat Covid-19.
A reduction in the numbers allowed for indoor and outdoor gatherings, a ban on crowds at sporting events and new advice for those who previously 'cocooned' were the main points announced by Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Tuesday.
The new measures, which were met with a lot of backlash, came after Ireland recorded over 500 cases last week, with a further 190 confirmed yesterday alone.
Mr Martin said the Government is "significantly tightening key restrictions" as Ireland is at a "critical moment" in its fight against the deadly bug.
Restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus have been reintroduced until September 13.
They include:
- People aged over 70 should limit their interactions to a small network for short periods
- All businesses should facilitate remote working
- Visits to homes should be limited to six people and involve no more than three households
- Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people
- Restaurant closing times restricted to 11.30pm
- Sports events will be held behind closed doors with no social gatherings before or afters
- Public transport should be avoided where possible and face masks worn on private transport when households are mixed, and
- Gardai are to be given new powers to enforce the public health measures.
A further short to medium-term plan for the way forward will be published by the Government before September 13.
Announcing the new measures, Mr Martin said: "We are not close to the level and pace of the spread of the virus from earlier this year but we are at a point where we need to re-commit ourselves to key behaviours and accept additional controls.
"We are at another critical moment. If we want to limit the number of people who get seriously ill or die because of the virus, we need to follow these public health measures."
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