Severe and wide-ranging movement restrictions on every citizen are now in effect.
Everybody in the country must stay at home until at least Easter Sunday, to try stop the spread of Covid 19.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, flanked by Health Minister Simon Harris and the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, have announced extraordinary restrictions on people’s freedom for the next two weeks.
Tonight, the Government has received further recommendations on the actions that we need to take to protect our people. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/2bmDzEt22q
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 27, 2020
Until April 12th, everybody must remain in their home except for very specific reasons.
People can only leave for essential work.
You are allowed leave to buy food or household goods, to go to medical appointments and vital family reasons.
You can also leave for brief exercise, but only within 2km of your home.
People over 70 must ‘cocoon’ in their homes, and arrange food and medicines.
All gatherings are prohibited, including social family visits.
The Taoiseach said he was asking people to restrict their lives to save the lives of others.
You've worked so hard but we all need you to do more for the next two weeks. This will help us save lives. Please see the letter from the @CMOIreland today. #COVID19 @roinnslainte @ronan_glynn pic.twitter.com/bgPAUVHBjw
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 27, 2020
Thousands of Gardaí on foot, bike and mobile patrols will be ensuring that people obey the guidelines as set out by the Taoiseach in his address.
They will intervene where venues or outlets are not in compliance with regulations and will also be breaking up groups of people who are not adhering to social distancing rules.
They will be patrolling popular weekend spots to make sure there will be no repeat of the overcrowding that was seen last weekend.
Commissioner Drew Harris says these high visibility patrols will pro-actively engage with people to provide re-assurance and social distancing during this time.
"If you do as we are asking you now, stay at home for the next two weeks… you're going to save lives."
Minister for Health @SimonHarrisTD on the measures taken by the Government this evening to fight against COVID-19. #LateLate #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/RzSBgsscW7
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) March 27, 2020
