The Government has been working with a range of Departments and stakeholders over the past few weeks to draw up a roadmap for modifying restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The triggers and framework for a phased reduction of restrictions are as follows:
Based on a 3 week review process, the current phases would commence on the following dates:
Phase 1 – 18th May
Phase 2 – 8th June
Phase 3 – 29th June
Phase 4 – 20th July
Phase 5 – 10th August
In relation to Work and Shop and other commercial businesses, we have summarised the following return to work dates.
Phase 1 (18th May 2020)
- People who work outdoors: A phased return of outdoor workers (for example: construction workers, gardeners, including people working on allotments) will be allowed. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.
- Remote working: Remote working is to continue for all workers or businesses that can currently do so.
- Outdoor shops: Shops that are primarily outdoor (for example: garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets) can re-open so long as social distancing measures can be put in place. Shops that were previously open in Tier 2 (for example: homeware, opticians, motor, bicycle and repair, office products, electrical, IT, phone sales and repair) can open. A full list will be provided in advance of 18 May.
Phase 2 (8th June 2020)
- People who can work safely while maintaining a 2-metre distance from others; Workers, like those who work on their own, as well as other workers who can keep a 2 metre distance from others can return to work. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.
- Plans to be put in place by employers and the government; Organisations are to develop plans for a return to onsite working by employees in light of COVID-19, considering: social distancing, compliance, hygiene and cleaning, compliance in higher risk situations, plans for medically vulnerable or pregnant people, extended opening hours to enable social distancing.
- Shops that can re-open: Small retail outlets can reopen with a small number of staff on the basis that the retailer can control the number of individuals that staff and customers interact with at any one time.
- Marts: Marts can be opened where social distancing can be maintained.
Phase 3 (29th June 2020)
- People who can work safely while maintaining a 2 metre distance from others: Organisations can open where employees have low levels of daily interaction with people.
- Remote working is to continue for all workers or businesses that can currently do so.
- Retail outlets: The opening of all other non-essential retail outlets will be phased in based on a restriction on the number of staff and customers per square metre so that social distancing can be maintained. This is to be limited to retail outlets with a street-level entrance and exit and does not include those in enclosed shopping centres due to higher risk.
- Cafés and restaurants: Cafés and restaurants providing on-premises food and beverages can re-open. They must comply with social distancing and strict cleaning protocols.
Phase 4 (20th July 2020)
- Employees who cannot work remotely are to be considered first for a return to onsite working. Depending on the business, measures such as shift work and staggered hours should be implemented to increase the numbers of workers available for work in any 24-hour period, if the business can limit the number of workers interacting with each other.
- Remote working continues for all workers or businesses that can do so.
- Retail – Restrictions can be gradually eased on higher risk services involving direct physical contact for periods of time between people and for which there is a population wide demand (for example, hairdressers).
Phase 5 (10th August 2020)
- A phased return to work across all sectors. ‘Higher risk’ organisations which, by their nature cannot easily maintain social distancing, will implement plans for how they can progress towards the onsite return of a full staff complement.
- Remote working continues for all workers or businesses that can do so.
- Enclosed shopping centres can re-open, with social distancing in place.
- A further loosening of restrictions for services involving direct physical contact for periods of time between people for which there is not a population-wide demand (for example, tattoo, piercing) for later phases due to risks involved.
A detailed review of the phased roadmap and easing of the Covid-19 restrictions can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/
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