Coronavirus Ireland: Leo Varadkar accelerates lockdown easing as cases slow down

'Summer is not lost and this summer can be a summer of hope if we keep the virus at bay,' says Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a media briefing on coronavirus (Covid-19) in Government Buildings, Dublin (PA)

The Taoiseach of Ireland has announced an accelerated easing of lockdown restrictions as the country moves into the second phase of its exit plan.

Leo Varadkar said in a speech on Friday that people can travel anywhere within their own county, or up to 20km from their home, and all shops will reopen from Monday.

He thanked the public in their efforts to suppress the virus, and said: “We have earned the right to be hopeful about the future again. Based on evidence from NPHET, Cabinet agreed to implement phase two and a phase two plus on Monday," referring to the National Public Health Emergency Team.

“There will now just be four phases. Phase three will start on 20 June. Under the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer and other health experts we will work out further actions.

“We always said we would accelerate if it was safe to do so. We have reached that point with your help.”

From Monday, groups of six people will be able to meet with each other inside their homes. Groups of 15 people are allowed to meet for outdoor sporting activities.

Under the new rules, up to 25 people will be allowed to attend funerals.

From 15 June, shopping malls can open their doors “provided only shops will reopen”, said the Taoiseach.

“Summer is not lost and this summer can be a summer of hope if we keep the virus at bay.

“We want to see return of domestic tourism and the reopening of hotels, restaurants, caravan parks, galleries and museums from 29 June," he added.

Health Minister Simon Harris described today as “a day of hope” as the country can “take tentative steps towards a normal society”.

“In the next stage we become more interdependent and as we take these next steps we take care. We know the toll this has taken so far. Today we begin to look forward once again.

“We can now from next week go a little bit further from our homes and go back to doing some of the simple things we missed while doing them differently, cleverly and carefully.”

He added that children will be able to visit playgroups and can “perhaps” attend summer camp or start playing sports again.

The Department of Health announced on Thursday another five people had died of Covid-19, bringing the death toll in Ireland to 1,664.

Thirty-eight new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed as of midnight on Wednesday, and there is now a total of 25,142 positive cases recorded in the country.