New restrictions announced in fight against COVID-19

All non-essential retail outlets will close as of midnight tonight as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a swathe of new Covid-19 restrictions at a press conference this afternoon.

From midnight tonight, all theatres, clubs, gyms and hairdressers have been ordered to shut. Restaurants have been ordered to restrict their services to take-away only. 

SEE WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ESSENTIAL RETAIL SERVICE HERE

The government advises that outside gatherings should consist of no more than four people. The restrictions have been extended by a further three weeks until Sunday 19 April. 

"All theatres, clubs, gyms, leisure centres, hairdressers, betting offices, marts, markets, casinos, bingo halls libraries, and other similar outlets are to shut while all hotels to limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons," said the Taoiseach.

"All non-essential retail outlets are to close to members of the public, and all other retail outlets, are to implement physical distancing. A list of essential retail outlets and stores is being provided.  All cafes and restaurants should limit supply to takeaways and deliveries only. All sporting events are cancelled, including those held behind closed doors." 

Horseracing had been carrying on without the public and strict limits attending the tracks but that has now been stopped.

"Gardai will increase interventions where venues are not in compliance with or where groups of people are not adhering to recommended social distancing. All household contacts of a suspect case - that is somebody waiting on a test or a test result should restrict their movements, until the test is reported as negative or 14 days after the onset of symptoms, whichever is the shorter. 

"Individuals should work from home, unless attendance at the workplace is absolutely essential. And social gatherings of individuals outdoors should be of no more than four people unless all are from the same household.
All non-essential indoor visits to other person's homes should be avoided. All crowded places including public amenities should be avoided as well. And all sheduled cruise ship travel to Ireland will cease."

"We are in exceptional times. The health of our peope and ensuring we remain safe is our number one priority."