Ireland to officially enter phase 2 as Varadkar announces numerous changes to the roadmap

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed that Ireland will enter phase 2 of the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday as scheduled.

A number of changes had been expected to the roadmap, including the provision that people will be allowed to travel anywhere within their own county, or 20km from home (whichever is further) from Monday. Varadkar said that the message is now ‘stay local’ rather than ‘stay home’.

The Taoiseach also announced that the roadmap will now only contain four phases with phase 2 starting this coming Monday, phase 3 starting on June 29 and phase 4 starting on July 20. All of these periods will last three weeks.

He added that people will be able to meet in groups of up to six indoors or outdoors. It was also announced that up to 15 people will be able to take part in outdoor sporting activities. Funerals can now be attended by up to 25 people.

Shops will be allowed to open from Monday with staggered hours, in order to minimise congestion on public transport. Shopping centres will be allowed to open from June 15 as long as measures are taken to ensure that people don’t congregate on benches or other places in the building.

Hotels and hostels will be allowed to open from June 29, as will bars which hold a restaurant licence. Playgrounds will also be allowed to open from this coming Monday.

More to follow

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