New Delhi (NVI): Ireland will become the first European country to re-impose a six-week lockdown across the country as it battles to overcome the spread of coronavirus.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin announced the move on Monday night in a television address to the nation following days of behind-the-scenes discussions with his public health experts.
From midnight on Wednesday the country will move to its highest lockdown tier for six weeks till December 1. Visits to private homes or gardens will not be permitted and there are to be no gatherings except for tightly controlled weddings and funerals.
The Prime Minister while issuing a nationwide “stay at home” order, insisted that schools will stay open.
Non-essential shops will close and people are asked to stay at home, with a 5km (3 mile) travel limit for exercise, to curb surging infection rates, according to the government.
A graduated fine system for those who breach the 5km travel limit – with exceptions for work and other purposes deemed essential – will be announced later this week.
In addition to this, people who live alone or are parenting alone can pair with one other household as part of a support bubble. Two households can meet outdoors within the travel limit. Public transport will operate at 25% capacity.
The measures will see all non-essential retail businesses close and bars and restaurants limited to takeaway or delivery service only.
So far, Ireland has reported 50,993 coronavirus infections with 1,852 death since the pandemic outbreak in the country.
Countries across Europe are toughening restrictions to fight the pandemic. Governments are grappling with the challenge of trying to check the outbreak without inflicting lasting damage on their economies, prompting differing approaches.
-CHK
