Ireland Reintroduces COVID Lockdown Measures... Applied for 6 Weeks

Remote Work for Non-Essential Personnel
Non-Essential Businesses Closed, Restaurants Only Allow Takeout

(Photo by Wikipedia)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Ireland, which has maintained the most cautious response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Europe, is reintroducing lockdown measures for six weeks.

According to BBC on the 20th (local time), Irish Prime Minister Miche?l Martin announced in a nationwide TV address the previous night that COVID-19 response measures would be raised to level 5. Previously, Ireland had decided to respond by dividing measures into five levels based on the extent of COVID-19 spread last month. As the recent resurgence accelerated, Ireland had been applying level 3 to 4 restrictions depending on the region.

The day before, Ireland reported 1,031 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the cumulative total to over 50,000 (50,993). The total number of deaths was recorded at 1,852.

According to the announcement, Ireland will re-enter strong lockdown measures from the 22nd for six weeks and plans to review them four weeks after implementation. Except in impossible cases, people must work from home, and they are not allowed to go more than 5 km away from their homes even for exercise. Violations will be penalized. Meeting with other households inside homes or gardens is also prohibited. Most non-essential businesses must close, and bars and restaurants are only allowed to offer takeout services. Weddings can have up to 25 attendees, and funerals up to 10 attendees.

However, professional sports will continue, and manufacturers can operate. Schools are also expected to remain open.

Prime Minister Martin said, "We introduced the strictest measures in Europe, but this alone was not enough to reduce the level of infection," and added, "We understand the loneliness and despair caused by the reintroduction of strong lockdown measures."

He also said, "Days are getting shorter and colder, but even if winter comes, there is hope and light," and predicted, "If everyone cooperates, we will be able to spend Christmas in a meaningful way."

In line with the reintroduction of lockdown measures, Prime Minister Martin announced that the pandemic unemployment payment, which provides up to 350 euros (about 470,000 KRW) per week, will be reinstated.