The Irish Government has announced it will not be moving forward to Phase 4 of its roadmap as its R Rate moves above 1. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said current public health measures will remain in place and Ireland would halt advancing to Phase 4 while the R Rate remained above 1.
The Taoiseach also stated: “The international situation represents a growing worry”, while not referring to specific countries, the UK and travel to and from the UK has recently been cited.
Speaking in Northern Ireland, the Taoiseach said: “It’s not just the UK; it’s international travel in general. Our current advice is against international travel off the island of Ireland because we believe it’s problematic and our public health people are saying that to us.”
There is growing apprehension about the speed of easing lockdown in Ireland due to a rising number of new cases of Covid-19, particularly in young people. A group largely thought to be less prone to contagion.
Pubs, bars, hotel bars, nightclubs and casinos will now remain closed until 10 August apart from pubs that are already serving food, they will be allowed to stay open.
Face coverings must now continue to be worn in all settings where social distancing of 2 metres cannot be observed.