Government accelerates Roadmap to Recovery

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced an accelerated ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ – from June 29, much of the country will be able to go somewhat ‘back to normal’.

Cinemas, churches, pubs serving food, gyms and hair salons can reopen, while sporting activities can also recommence with limitations on spectators.

Gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors will be permitted.

However, he said that people should continue to work from home if possible.

“After studying the expert advice of NPHET, Cabinet today approved the rephasing of the roadmap. Apart from exceptions, most things are now being moved to phase 3, beginning on Monday, June 29^th.

“I am making this announcement today, to give people time to prepare so that places can be ready to reopen, for example churches and places of worship, gyms, cinemas, leisure facilities, hairdressers, beauticians and barber shops.

“In Phase 3, all sporting activities including close contact sports can recommence. This includes team leagues for adults and children.

“People should still work from home if they can, mass gatherings will be limited to 50 people indoors and 200 outdoors until July 20^th. This will rise to 100 indoors and 500 people outdoors thereafter,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said that personal responsibility will become more important because “the virus hasn’t gone away”, and flagged the ‘DATE’ concept – distance, activity, time and the environment.

Distance: Always try to stay 2 metres apart from someone else if possible.

Activity: Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering on public transport or in a crowded indoor space

Time: The amount of time you spend with a person or group increases your risk

Environment: Always bear in mind that a closed, poorly ventilated indoor space is much riskier than being outdoors.

Taking personal responsibility means not entering a place if you see it is packed. It means leaving somewhere, even if you are having a good time, if you have been there for too long. It means exercising judgement and self-control for your own sake, but also for the collective good.

This re-phasing forward of the Roadmap is made possible by the solidarity you have shown and the sacrifices, decisions and choices that you have made over the past few months suppressing the virus.

Instead of being forced back, we have been able to push the spread of the virus back and advance forward.

More details are expected to emerge later this evening.