EXPLAINER: What are the LEVEL 4 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 4 mean in terms of restrictions?

LEVEL 4

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

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).

No organised indoor gatherings should take place.

Organised outdoor gatherings

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

Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place.

Exercise and sporting events

Training

Outdoors: Non contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15.

Indoors: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes can take place.

Matches and events

No matches or events to take place.

Exemption: Professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.

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 25 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. No indoor dining.

Outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.

Wet pubs

Outdoor seating only, limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.

Nightclubs, discos and casinos

Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.

Hotels and accommodation

Open but only for existing guests, and those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.

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

Face coverings must be worn.

Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open. All other retail and personal services closed.

Work

Only essential or other designated workers should go to work.

Domestic travel restrictions

Stay in your county (or other defined geographical area) apart from essential work, education and other essential purposes.

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

Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures.

Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.

Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks

All remain 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. Specific guidance will be issued.

Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)

Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.