Ireland To Ease Lockdown, Start Travel Quarantine
Muhammad Irfan Published May 15, 2020 | 10:50 PM
Dublin, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2020 ) :Ireland will begin to lift its coronavirus lockdown in the coming days while introducing a 14-day quarantine period for people arriving in the nation, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.
"I can confirm that it is safe to proceed with phase one of our plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions from Monday," he said, indicating the start of a five-stage plan to reopen the country set to stretch until August.
The changes coming into effect after the weekend will see staff return to outdoor workplaces and the reopening of some shops, sports facilities and public amenities such as beaches.
Citizens will also be allowed to meet in small groups outdoors.
Social distancing measures are to remain in widespread use as they have been since Ireland's lockdown began on 28 March.
Meanwhile, the Irish cabinet agreed to make it mandatory for arrivals to fill out forms outlining where they will quarantine.
"We're going to examine means by which it can be enforced thereafter," Varadkar said at a Dublin press conference.
Travellers from the British province of Northern Ireland will be exempt.
The government also issued advice for "face coverings" to be worn in enclosed public spaces such as shops and public transport.
"Coronavirus is an inferno that is raging around the world", said Varadkar.
"In Ireland it is now a fire in retreat but it's not defeated -- we must extinguish every spark and quench every ember." Effects of the relaxation will be monitored for three weeks before the government decides whether to move to the next stage in the "roadmap" to reopen the nation announced earlier this month.
Ireland has suffered 1,506 deaths from COVID-19, according to health department figures.
Reported daily deaths peaked at 77 on 20 April, but on Thursday had fallen to just 10.
Chief medical officer Tony Holohan said in mid-April that the nation had successfully quashed the spread of infection.
But, as in other countries, there is fear of a second wave.
"We have to remember that just as our actions brought about the progress you've seen to date, our actions could also set us back," Health Minister Simon Harris said.
If the first phase of relaxations is deemed successful, the second stage will allow wider travel, visits to other households and employees to return to work under social distancing measures.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
18 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
18 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
6 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
13 days ago