In tonight’s national address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a gradual easing of restrictions over the coming weeks.
The main points are outlined below, with good news for the GAA as inter-county training resumes from April 19th and juvenile training (under 18) can resume from April 26th.
The main points are as follows and full details as always are available on www.gov.ie:
From April 12th:
The 5km limit will be extended to county-wide travel
Members from up to two households can meet outdoors
There will be a phased return of the construction industry, starting on April 12th for those involved in the construction of housing & childcare facilities
All school classes at primary and secondary level to resume
From April 19th:
Senior level inter-county training can resume (with National Leagues expected to start in May)
Training for elite athletes approved by Sport Ireland can resume
From April 26th:
Outdoors sports training for juveniles (under 18) can resume
Golf and outdoor tennis can resume
Outdoor visitor attractions such as zoos and wildlife parks can open
Up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral
Two people who have been fully vaccinated can meet indoors or outdoors
At the end of April and into May there will be a review on the phased re-opening of other sectors - non-essential retail, personal services, all non-contact sports training, religious services, museums, galleries and libraries - and additional freedoms for those who are fully vaccinated.
Towards the end of May, and depending on progress, there will be a review on the re-opening of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in June and all hospitality sectors to be opened in the summer.
From there, and with the rollout of the vaccine in its advanced stages, they hope to look at the re-opening of all remaining sectors.
There are now 4 different vaccines in use in Europe and despite the delays in supply, the vaccination program is well underway in Ireland. The good news is that the vaccine supply is set to increases dramatically in April, May and June. The walk-in test centres in areas with high numbers have been well received, and antigen testing is expected to be introduced shortly.
By the middle of April, it is expected that all over 70s will have had their first dose and by mid/late May, all over 70s will be fully vaccinated.
By the end of next week, it is expected close to 1 million vaccines will have been given out. By the end of May, close to 3 millions doses of the vaccine will have been administered, that number will increase to 5 million by early July, and 6 millions vaccines administered by the end of July.
As Micheál said, “We’re on the final stretch of this terrible journey”.
Next update, including a decision on return of GAA at club level for U20 and Senior, is due on April 26th.