Ireland checking in
What kind of measures were originally taken ?
On March 12 our Prime Minister addressed the nation and basically put us into lockdown. Schools, public buildings, retail and non essential business were closed. We were only allowed to travel up to 2km from our home, there were Police checkpoints and you had to have a letter from an employer or a hospital appointment.
Were your borders closed?
Technically yes but technically no. We are an island county so the ports and airports remained opened for freight , food etc and for essential travel only. For example hundreds of medical staff came back to Ireland from various countries around the world.
How’s your economy?
The economy sank, as huge amounts of people were furloughed or lost their jobs. The travel, tourism and hospitality sectors are the hardest hit. Ireland relies heavily on tourism, much like the Caribbean nations. The Government created a special Pandemic Unemployment Benefit scheme for the thousands who lost their income overnight. They also created a furlough scheme for employers to keep employees on payroll during the temporary shutdown.
How is testing going?
Anyone who needs a test can get a test and its free. Testing is done by contacting your GP who will then send you to a testing centre. If you are not registered with a GP but feel you need a test, you can ring any GP and they have to send you for testing. Testing is also done at hospitals, if you are admitted for a non Covid reason, such as heart attack or broken bone. Test results have a 24 hour turn around.
We now have a Covid 19 Track and Trace App.
https://covidtracker.gov.ie/Ireland has a population of approx 4.5 million people
Todays Stats from the App
253,583 people have checked in today
99% Feeling OK
1% Some Symptoms
Total Confirmed Cases 25942
Total Deaths 1764
Number Hospitalised 3349
Required ICU 438
How Covid 19 Is Spreading
32% Community Transmission
66% Close Contact
2% Travel Abroad
In the last 24 hour period, there have been 14 new confirmed cases and no deaths.
Irelands RoadMap For Reopening
The Irish Government published a 5 phase roadmap to reopen the country in May.
Many businesses have reopened, but many travel and tourism places are still closed
Bars are only allowed to open if they serve food, and there is a time limit and minimum spend required.
Large gatherings are still not allowed
Schools and colleges are set to reopen for the new academic year end of August / start of September.
Travel bans for no essential international travel are still in place, but there is a list of green countries which do not require 14 days quarantine when returning to Ireland.
Mask wearing is mandatory on all public transport and in retail businesses.
Staycations are being advised by the Irish Government.
Working from home is advised where possible and city and towns have a huge drop in footfall due to the big disappearance of office workers.
Due to bars and clubs still being closed, houseparties are now becoming an issue with confirmed cases rising.