Ireland

Republic will reopen economy in five stages as a further 34 people die of Covid-19

  Leo Varadkar TD on the steps of the Government Buildings Dublin, addressing the public on the state of the coronavirus lockdown in Ireland.
  Leo Varadkar TD on the steps of the Government Buildings Dublin, addressing the public on the state of the coronavirus lockdown in Ireland.   Leo Varadkar TD on the steps of the Government Buildings Dublin, addressing the public on the state of the coronavirus lockdown in Ireland.

Leo Varadkar has announced an extension of the majority of the Republic of Ireland's coronavirus restrictions to May 18.

Another 34 people in the Republic have died due to coronavirus, with 221 more cases diagnosed, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed.

The total number of people who have died from Covid-19 in the Republic is now 1,265.

The Taoiseach announced the easing of two restrictions – extending an exercise travel limit from 2km to 5km from home and advising over-70s they can leave home for isolated exercise from Tuesday.

He said the economy will reopen in five stages, each three weeks apart. Starting on May 18 outdoor work, like construction and landscaping, will resume. Some retail outlets, like garden centres, hardware stores, repair shops will reopen and some outdoor sporting and fitness activities in small groups will be allowed. The fifth stage is earmarked for 10th August. 

Mr Varadkar said that schools and colleges will reopen in September.

“So on the 18th of May, Ireland begins to reopen and begins that journey to a new normal.

“From that day outdoor work, like construction and landscaping, will resume.

“Some retail outlets, like garden centres, hardware stores, repair shops will reopen and some outdoor sporting and fitness activities in small groups will be allowed.”

He said the last few weeks have transformed people’s lives “in so many different ways and ways that we could not have imagined”.

Read More:Opens in new window ]

The Republic's road map to reopening: What will happen and whenOpens in new window ]

Speaking from Government Buildings in Dublin, he said: “I know it’s been difficult.

“The uncertainty about when things will get back to normal and the fear of the virus itself.

“As a nation, our physical health has been attacked, our mental health eroded.

“Our economy battered and our society put to the ultimate test.

“Many people are lonely during the pain of isolation.

“Many people are grieving in silence and many have lost their jobs.”

Read More: Roadmap to reopening Republic: Leo Varadkar's statement in full

The 221 new confirmed cases was one of the lowest daily figures since April 1st. This brings the total number of cases to 20,833.

A total of 2,768 cases (13 per cent) have been hospitalised and of these, 367 have been admitted to ICU.

The number of healthcare workers confirmed to have contracted the virus now stands at 5,840.

Dublin has 50 per cent of the cases with 10,170, followed by Kildare with 6 per cent or 1,215. Cork has 6 per cent of cases with 1,154.

Community transmission accounts for 63 per cent of cases, close contacts for 33 per cent and travel abroad for 3 per cent.

Mr Varadkar added: “Unfortunately the risk of a second wave of the virus is present.

“So we could only move to the next stage if the virus stays under control between each phase and there is a risk that we’d have to go back a phase if that happens.

“In any scenario, at least until we have a vaccine, or an effective treatment, there will be a long-term need for physical distancing, good hygiene, respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they’re sick.

“It will take some time for our lives to get back to normal, to a new normal, but it will happen.

Mr Varadkar added: “Separately, a national protocol is being developed by Government, employers and trade unions with the assistance of the Health and Safety Authority of the HSE.

“This will enable a gradual restart of economic activity as restrictions are eased while protecting the health and safety of all workers as they return to work.

“We will do everything possible to get enterprises back and running so you can get your job back.

“While it will take some time before we get to enjoy again things we are missing, from the comfort of our families, to a night out with friends, those days will come again.”

During his address, Mr Varadkar read excerpts from some of the 10,000 pieces of correspondence he has received from members of the public since the crisis began.

He spoke of Jessica, a wheelchair user, who feels an enormous cloud of loneliness around her; Anne Marie, a healthcare worker who contracted Covid-19 who described her patients as like family; Phil, a pensioner who lives alone who is struggling with isolation; and Rachel, 13, who is worried about her grandparents.

“We’re doing this for Jessica, for Anne Marie, for Phil, for Rachel and for everyone else who are struggling as best they can to come through this crisis,” said Mr Varadkar.

“We’re doing this for each other.

“The coronavirus is cruel and inhuman however the stories I am hearing every day are stories of human kindness.”

Mr Varadkar spoke of the pain for families unable to properly grieve for all those who had lost their lives in recent weeks.

“When we come through this we will come together as a nation and grieve together for everyone who has died over the course of this emergency,” he said.

He said people had met the crisis with “remarkable courage and sense of solidarity”.

Mr Varadkar urged people to “stay the course” and “continue the fight”.