Covid-19 restrictions eased: Taoiseach acknowledges 'sacrifices you have made'

(Above) The diving boards at Lough Owel is a popular spot, particularly when the sun is shining; with Covid-19 restrictions being eased, more people will be able to visit.

"Today, I can confirm that it is safe to move to Phase 2 of the plan to reopen our country from Monday. This has been made possible by the considerable sacrifices that you have made to restrict the spread of the virus and protect others," said An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, this afternoon.

Mr Varadkar went on to announce an acceleration of the government plan to re-open the economy, saying "over the last few months fear has exerted a kind of gravity pulling us down, but now we find there is hope lifting us up again".

There will now only be only four phases: phase three on 29 June and phase four from 20 July.

All shops outside shopping centres can open from Monday, and the shopping centres can open on 15 June.

From Monday over 70s and the vulnerable can welcome people to their homes.

Also from Monday, people can travel anywhere in their own counties or 20km from their homes, whichever is the greater.

Phase three, beginning on 29 June, will see all domestic travel restrictions lifted.

From Monday groups of up to six can meet indoors or outdoors once they keep two metres apart.

Groups of up to 15 people can meet for outdoor sporting activities.

Playgrounds, once supervised, can reopen from Monday.

Summer camps can also be held if no more than 15 people are mixing together.

Athletes can return to training and greyhound racing can resume without spectators.

Also from Monday, up to 25 people can attend funerals.

Opening for hairdressers and barbers remains in Phase 4, 20 July.

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said there is no evidence to recommend less than two metres as a social distancing requirement.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will develop guidance for hospitality sector in coming days, he said.

The Taoiseach said government decisions had been kept in line with public health advice.

The data is going in the right direction, the R number has stayed below one, there's a downward trend in the number of cases and the government has watched what has happened in other countries.

"More and more this is going to be less about government rules and more about a long term change in how we live our lives," Mr Varadkar said.

He said no date is in mind for air travel to resume. He would encourage people not to go booking flights.

Business Minister, Heather Humphreys, said when we return to shops next week, it will not be the high street that we left behind.

“Customers should be prepared to queue, and are encouraged to shop locally.

"

Health Minister Simon Harris said non-Covid work is under way in hospitals.

The board of the HSE will consider a non-Covid plan in the coming days and the resumption of screening services is being considered.

He said there should be a clear timeline later this month.