As we enter week eight of the current level five lockdown in Ireland, community vaccination is underway, and a glimmer of light is now in sight.
Special schools are set to reopen on a phased basis from February 22, so we’ve put together a list of measures that could potentially be eased over the coming months as Ireland takes a more conservative approach to exiting lockdown.
So far, we know that from March 5 it is expected that construction will resume alongside the reopening of mainstream schools on a phased basis, and while it's expected that the current restrictions will be extended once again, here are some of the measures that are likely to be eased first, eventually:
5km rule
The last time Ireland entered a strict lockdown, one of the first measures to be eased was the 5km limit.
As it stands, you cannot go beyond your local limit unless it’s for essential reasons, such as work, education, or exercise.
But as infection rates begin to ease, and children resume in-person classes, it’s likely the travel limit will be eased.
Organised outdoor gatherings
Although mass indoor gatherings are a long way off amid the ongoing health emergency, with vaccinations in full swing and infection rates coming down, it’s reasonable to believe that outdoor gatherings will resume in the coming months.
With finer weather on the way, controlled outdoor events exhibiting safety measures in line with government advice would allow for some friendly and socially distant catchups to finally resume.
Social and family gatherings
Current COVID-19 restrictions don’t allow for any households to interact unless for essential reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble.
Going by past lockdowns, the number of households allowed to meet may increase over the coming months to allow for 2-3 different households to meet while social distancing.
Exercise
While exercise is allowed within 5km of your home under current restrictions, it’s likely this will be lifted alongside the 5km rule, allowing certain training to resume in controlled environments.
Sport
The likes of golf courses and tennis courts could likely reopen to the public, due to the fact that social distancing can be practised.
However, professional, elite sports, horse racing, greyhound racing, and approved equestrian events will probably continue for some time behind closed doors.
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Hotels
Summer holidays abroad may not be an option this summer as Ireland implements its toughest travel restrictions to date, with no insight into when they may be lifted.
However, there may be a time over the coming months when hotels across Ireland can reopen with extensive health measures in place, allowing the resumption of ‘staycations’ this summer.
What won't be changing soon
Restrictions not likely to be lifted over the coming months are those associated with indoor gatherings, mass sporting events, non-essential retail, and pubs and restaurants, all of which are to remain shut until Ireland enters a lower level of restrictions.
An update on Ireland’s ‘Living with COVID’ plan is expected on February 22, 2021.
