Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave a State of the Nation address this evening to update on the restrictions currently in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Full details are available through the gov.ie site

From Tuesday May 5th there will be 2 changes to the current restrictions:

• While still recommended to remain cocooned, those at risk due to health issues, elderly, pregnant etc can leave the home and travel within a distance of 5km, but while doing so are asked to limit or avoid contact with other people

• The 2km exercise limit will be extended to a distance of 5km from the home

However, TWO more weeks of tight restrictions are needed to weaken the virus and avoid a second wave undoing all the positive work of recent weeks. The current restrictions, with the two changes listed above, are to remain in place up to Monday May 18th.

At that point the plan is to open the country in slow staged phases - 5 stages all 3 weeks apart - with the 5th and final stage expected to commence on August 10th. All stages to be continually assessed and changes to be made accordingly and depending on how the virus is spreading.

Phase 1 starting on Monday May 18th:

• Outdoor work (construction, landscaping etc) can resume

• Certain retail outlets like garden centres, repair shops and DIY stores can re-open

• Non-contact outdoor sports and fitness activities can resume BUT in small numbers only

• Regular health services will resume operating

• People can begin to meet again BUT only in small groups (max 4 people) outdoors

Good hygiene practices, regular cleaning etc will remain in place for some time to come, and, importantly for many, schools and colleges are not due to re-open until September/October at the start of the new academic year.

Full details through this link on gov.ie

Full speech from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is available here