On the 12th of February, in response to the growing situation in
China
and spreading to other parts of the world, the Irish Department of Health announced that Ireland was now in a containment phase. The main objectives of the containment phase were to slow the spread of COVID 19 and to keep the spread as limited as possible to reduce pressure on the health system.
On February 27th the first case was announced in Ireland and up until the 11th of March the cases in Ireland slowly rose before skyrocketing from March 12th until March 27. March 11th there were a total of 43 active cases in Ireland, by March 27th this number hit well over 2,000.
On March 12th Ireland entered what was called the delay phase which eventually helped slow the spread of the virus.
On March 27th Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar issued orders to “stay at home” and Ireland remained in this phase until May 4th.
As of July, Ireland has over 25,000 cases of COVID 19.
What It Looks Like Now
Currently Ireland is in phase 3 of reopening. Ireland is open for travelers, from areas permitted to travel to Europe, but there are requirements that need to be met for entry to be permitted.
Since Ireland is still in a phase of reopening, there are still some rules and regulations in place to protect the public. The Irish government asks any citizens and travelers to keep in mind that we are dealing with a highly contagious disease and we must each do our part in preventing the spread, especially to those who are most vulnerable like the elderly.
People can now travel through Ireland and most shops, stores, cultural activities and services are open to business again. Inside any business customers are required to wear a mask and maintain a safe social distance.
Ireland will enter phase 4 of reopening on July 20th, this will allow pubs, bars, hotel bars and casinos to reopen, along with allowing gatherings of over 100 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
The Future Of Ireland
COVID 19 is a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. Right now, it is a part of our daily lives and will be so for some time to follow. In order to deal with this and to keep the spread to a minimum, everyone is expected to follow the rules and regulations in place.
- Social Distancing – Whenever possible a distance must be kept from others of 3 meters, especially if someone looks unwell.
- Masks – When using public transportation, masks are obligatory. Many small shops still ask customers to wear them and sanitize your hands upon entry, and shopping malls require you to wear a mask, although you are allowed to try on clothing. While wearing a mask will not protect you from catching it, it will prevent you from spreading it if you have it. With everyone wearing a mask we limit the spread.
- Organized Gatherings – they are permitted, but the government requests that everyone attending such meetings keep the numbers low and adhere to safety procedures for the duration of the meeting.
- Contact Log – You are asked to keep a log of everyone you come into contact with, that way if you do get sick it is easier to trace the source of the virus.
As the country continues going through reopening phases the government urges all citizens to practice common sense, use their own judgement and take personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others.
For more information about the Irish Minister’s regulations on COVID 19 visit this link
To read more news about the spread of COVID 19 through Ireland follow this link
To find out more about Ireland travel entry requirements follow this link
