Government announces accelerated roadmap – here’s what we know…

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The Taoiseach has been announcing the decisions made regarding the lifting of some Covid-19 restrictions.

He has revealed that there will be an acceleration of the roadmap on easing restrictions.

All measures of Phase 2 will be introduced while some of the actions in later phases will be moved forward.

There will now only be four phases instead of the original five. Phase 3 will be introduced on June 29 and Phase 4 will come into effect from July 20th

Phase 2:

From Monday those aged over 70 and those classed as vulnerable will be able to allow people into their homes.

From the same date, people will be allowed to travel anywhere in their own county or 20km from their homes outside of that, whichever is greater.

Monday will also see groups of up to six being able to meet indoors or outdoors once they keep at least 2 meters apart.

Up to 25 people will be allowed to attend funerals.

Public libraries will open from Monday and there will be a special education programme for children with special needs.

Playgrounds can reopen from Monday as well, but only as long as they are supervised.

Summer camps can be held as long as no more than 15 people mix together.

Greyhound racing can resume, but without spectators and athletes will be allowed to return to training.

All shops will be able to reopen from Monday as long as they stagger opening hours, maintain social distancing and dedicate hours for vulnerable people.

Shopping centres will be able to do so from June 15th. However, no congregating at food courts and similar locations will be allowed.

Phase 3:

When it comes to the tourism and hospitality sectors, the Taoiseach has said that hotels and B&Bs will be able to return from June 29t Bars will also be able to reopen then if they serve food and have table service.

Domestic travel restrictions will be lifted.

Phase 4:

The reopening of hairdressers and barbers premises will remain in Phase 4 (July 20th).

The Health Minister has also been addressing the easing of restrictions.

Simon Harris has said that face coverings are recommended when visiting those who have been cocooning and for people who work indoors where it is not possible to keep a distance of 2 meters from others.

In speaking of the opening of shops today, the Business Minister Heather Humphreys has said that it will not be like we knew, and that people must be prepared to queue.

She also appealed to the public to keep shopping as local as possible to help these businesses survive the challenges they have faced and will continue to encounter.

For updated and factual Public Health information and advice on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit hse.ie/coronavirus or call 1800 700 700

For the latest information on the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme, please visit hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine