The National Public Health Emergency team has recommended that the entire country move to Level 5 restrictions.
RTE News is reporting that the recommendation is contained in a letter sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last night.
This is the second time in the last three weeks that NPHET has made the call and it comes the day after Ireland reported a record number of new cases.
NPHET are looking for Level 5 to be brought in for six weeks – to bring us right up to Christmas.
No cabinet meeting is scheduled for today and Taoiseach Micheal Martin is currently in Brussels.
That means a government decision to the recommendation is perhaps unlikely to come today.
At present the entire country is under Level 3 restrictions – with the added restriction that no visitors are allowed in people’s houses.
While Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan are in Level 4 restrictions.
If we do move to Level 5, here is what it means:
LEVEL 5
At Level 5, the public health risk means that you will be asked to stay at home, except to exercise within 5 kilometres of your home. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings.
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
Own household only – no visitors.
Other settings outside your home or garden
No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Weddings
Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised indoor gatherings
No organised indoor gatherings should take place.
Organised outdoor gatherings
No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.
Exercise and sporting events
Training
Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals
Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed. Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery only.
Wet pubs
Take away or delivery only.
Nightclubs, discos, casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn. Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay at home. Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.
Schools, creches and higher and adult education
Open with protective measures in place.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn. Walk or cycle where possible. Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%. Avoid public transport – essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
