What are the new COVID 19 Measures?
Updated measures in response to COVID-19 From Tuesday 24th of March
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Ireland and globally, the government announced additional measures to slow the spread of the virus in Ireland Monday the 24th of March.
All schools, colleges etc to remain closed until April 19th.
So what else has to close?
- all theatres, clubs, gyms/leisure centres, hairdressers, betting shops, marts, markets, casinos, bingo halls, libraries and other similar outlets are closed
- all hotels are limited to non-social and non-tourist occupancy
- all sporting events are cancelled, including those behind closed doors
- all playgrounds and holiday or caravan parks are closed
- all organised social indoor or outdoor events of any size are not to take place, such as parties or weddings
- all scheduled cruise ship travel to cease
- non-essential retail outlets to close to members of the public. Essential retail outlets to implement strict physical distancing measures. Visual supports for retailers available here
Essential retail outlets by type:
The NPHET has recommended that all non-essential retail outlets will close to members of the public and all other retail outlets are to put in place physical distancing.
To assist the public and business owners, the following is an indicative list of what are considered essential retail outlets:
- retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores
- retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses
- pharmacies/chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical or dispensing services
- opticians/optometrists
- retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores
- fuel stations and heating fuel providers
- retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs)
- retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding
- laundries and drycleaners
- banks, post offices and credit unions
- retail sale of safety supply stores (for example, work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment)
- hardware stores, builders’ merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture
- retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses
- retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home
Physical distancing continues:
- all cafes and restaurants are to operate on a take-away or delivery basis. Strict physical distancing measures apply to queuing for this service. Floor graphics (2 metre distance) for businesses are available here
- all places of worship to restrict numbers entering at any one time to ensure adequate physical distancing
- outdoor socialising is limited to 4 persons, unless all are from the same household. For example, a family of 5 living in the same household may still socialise outside together, or household groups such as flatmates, but not a mixed group of people from different households. Strict physical distancing measures still apply
- all crowded places, including public amenities, should be avoided. If you see that there is a crowd, find a quiet alternative location, or turn around and go home
There is a lot more information on the Waterford In Your Pocket website which you can visit HERE
