EXPLAINER: What are the LEVEL 2 restrictions in Ireland's new 'Living with Covid-19' plan?

Taoiseach Michéal Martin has announced the new 'Living with Covid-19' plan for Ireland, replacing the Roadmap announced by the previous government. 

The new system outlines five levels of Covid-19 response, each containing a set of measures. Ireland is currently at Level 2, the second-lowest, with Level 5 being almost a complete lockdown similar to that imposed on the country back in March. Individual counties could be placed into different levels depending on the spread of disease. 

The government has said: "At all times the priority guiding the plan will be to keep our schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting the resilience of our economy and communities."

So, what does Level 2 mean in terms of restrictions?

LEVEL 2

*Dublin restrictions correct as of September 15, 2020

Social and family gatherings

In your home or garden

In Dublin:

visitors from 1 other household only (maximum 6 people)

Everywhere else:

visitors from 1-3 other households (maximum 6 people)

This will be determined by the prevailing public health advice for the county or other defined geographical area.

Other settings outside your home or garden

In Dublin:

visitors from 1 other household only (maximum 15 people outdoors)

Everywhere else:

members of different households can continue to meet socially in other settings up to 6 people indoors, 15 outdoors from 1, 2 or 3 other households

This will be determined by the prevailing public health advice for the county or other defined geographical area.

Weddings

Up to 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

Organised indoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.

For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).

Up to 50 patrons are permitted and in pods or groups of up to 6 if appropriate, with arrangements to ensure no intermingling of groups.

Up to 100 patrons are permitted for larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one-way controls for entry and exit can be implemented.

For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.

Organised outdoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.

Up to 100 patrons are permitted for the majority of venues.

Up to 200 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (with robust protective measures as per sectoral guidance).

For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.

Sports

Training

Outdoors: training can take place in pods of up to 15 (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).

Indoors: training, exercise and dance classes can take place in pods of up to 6 inside (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).

Matches and events

up to 100 patrons/spectators outdoors and 50 patrons/spectators indoors

up to 200 for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000

For large purpose built event facilities (such as stadia, auditoriums, conferencing/event centres), specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for events such as large national and international sporting events.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

These can open with protective measures, taking account of public health advice, including social distancing.

Religious services

Open with protective measures ( for example, appropriate social distancing, one-way traffic within the venue, removal of communal prayer items) for up to 50 worshipers.

Where the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted in separated sub-groupings of no more than 50, with additional protective measures as per guidelines.

Funerals

Up to 50 mourners can attend.

Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions

Open with protective measures (for example, a maximum capacity to allow 2 metre distancing, one-way traffic within the venue).

Maximum numbers are linked to capacity, taking account of public health advice.

Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)

Open with protective measures in place (for example: physical distancing, table service only, cleaning regimes, noise controls).
Maximum numbers in restaurants and cafes linked to capacity of establishment, taking account of public health advice, but with individual groups limited to 6 people from up to 3 households.

Wet pubs

Open with robust protective measures in place (for example: physical distancing, table service only, cleaning regimes, noise controls and so on).

Maximum numbers linked to capacity of establishment, taking account of public health advice including appropriate social distancing, but with individual groups limited to 6 people from no more than 3 households or the prevailing advice on the mixing of households.

Dublin

Wet pubs cannot yet reopen in Dublin.

Nightclubs, discos and casinos

Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.

Hotels and accommodation

Open with protective measures (for example: staff face coverings, signage, hand sanitiser, regular cleaning of hard surfaces, customer details recorded for contact tracing process).

Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)

Face coverings must be worn.

Open with protective measures in place.

Work

Work from home if possible.

If you can work from home, you are advised to only attend work for essential on-site meetings, inductions and training.

Domestic travel

No restrictions.

Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education

Open with protective measures in place.

Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks

All remain open with protective measures in place.

Transport

You must wear a face covering if using public transport.

Walk or cycle where possible.

Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%.

Peak hours for essential workers and essential purposes only.

Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable

Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home.

Specific guidance will be provided.

Long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)

Open with enhanced protective measures.

Follow HPSC guidance.