Ireland is the first country in Europe to choose a lockdown in response to the second wave of Covid-19. This lockdown will take effect Wednesday at midnight and will last for six weeks. An economic pause that, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, should help win the fight against the virus.
Ireland Locks Down Again Amid Second Wave of Coronavirus
Government Imposes New Restrictions to Better Contain Infections
It’s a heavy blow for the Irish: the government has made the difficult decision to return to a lockdown period.
“We are asking everyone in the country to stay at home,” said Micheal Martin.
However, this lockdown will include some exceptions. Among them:
- only people with jobs deemed essential will be allowed to work, with permission to travel,
- only restaurants offering takeaway food will be allowed to remain open,
- schools and daycare centers will remain open and continue to welcome children, as the Prime Minister refuses to cut off Irish youth from learning and education, even during a pandemic.
For those confined, they will only be allowed to leave their homes for food supplies or other essential needs. They may jog or exercise within a maximum radius of 5 kilometers from their home.
Fines may be imposed for breaches of these new rules.
The Irish Prime Minister acknowledged that these restrictions are the strictest in Europe. However, the government justified its action:
“Additional measures are necessary today. If we unite our efforts over the next six weeks, we will have the chance to celebrate Christmas properly.”
To date, the coronavirus pandemic has caused at least 1,852 deaths in Ireland. However, with daily infections currently rising, Ireland has chosen to reimpose lockdown to relieve its already strained medical staff and best protect the population. Six weeks at home, united in a collective effort: Ireland is playing it safe with Christmas in sight. This decision has been rather well received by the Irish, who are deeply attached to the Irish fighting spirit!
