Dublin, Ireland – The Irish government has announced its decision to impose a nationwide lockdown for a period of six weeks, starting from midnight on Wednesday, October 21. This move comes in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.
The lockdown measures include the closure of all non-essential businesses, with only essential retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies allowed to remain open. Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and delivery services only, while pubs and bars will remain closed.
People will only be allowed to travel within a 5km radius of their homes, except for essential reasons such as work, education, or medical appointments. Social gatherings, including visits to other households, will not be permitted.
The government has also announced that schools and childcare facilities will remain open, with additional funding provided for schools to hire substitute teachers and support staff. However, higher education institutions will move to online learning.
In a televised address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the decision to impose a lockdown was not taken lightly, but was necessary to protect public health and prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.
He said: “We’re making a preemptive strike against the virus, to prevent a full-scale lockdown in November and December. We’re asking you to stay at home, unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out. We’re asking you to work from home, unless it’s absolutely necessary to go into work. We’re asking you to reduce your contacts, to limit your interactions with others.”
The Taoiseach also announced additional financial support for businesses affected by the lockdown, including wage subsidies and grants.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing support for the measures and others expressing frustration and concern about the impact on their livelihoods and mental health.
In a statement, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) welcomed the additional financial support for workers and businesses, but called for greater clarity on the criteria for accessing the supports.
“Workers and businesses need certainty and clarity on the criteria for accessing these supports, and they need them now,” said Patricia King, General Secretary of the ICTU.
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressed disappointment at the decision to close hotels and guesthouses, saying that the sector had implemented extensive safety measures and had not been identified as a significant source of COVID-19 transmission.
“We are bitterly disappointed that the government has decided to close hotels and guesthouses, which have been operating safely and responsibly since they reopened in June,” said Tim Fenn, CEO of the IHF.
The government has acknowledged the impact of the lockdown on businesses and individuals, but has emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent the further spread of the virus.
In a statement, the Department of Health said: “We understand that these measures will be difficult for many people, but they are necessary to protect public health and prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. We urge everyone to comply with the restrictions and to do their part in slowing the spread of the virus.”
The lockdown is set to last until December 1, with the government set to review the measures after four weeks.