Government announce extension of restrictions

A raft of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have been announced by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in a press conference this afternoon. The new measures will see theatres, clubs, gyms, hairdressers, bookies, marts and markets closed.

The message was also put out that people should avoid public transport if at all possible due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Gatherings of people are to be limited to four unless they are family members and school and colleges are to close to April 19.

The government's efforts to offer support to business as the ravages of the COVID-19 global pandemic take hold were also unveiled in the address to the public this afternoon.

The Taoiseach said that he did not want to refer to the measures imposed as a “lockdown”. Under the new measures all non-essential retail outlets are to close to the public and all others are to implement physical distancing. Gardai will increase interventions to ensure compliance with the measures, all hotels around the country will limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons and private hospitals will act as part of the public health system during the crisis.

Health Minister Simon Harris announced that all cafes and restaurants should limit supply to takeaway only and all sporting events, even those behind closed doors, are canceled. Other measures include rent freezes, restriction of numbers to places of worship and an increased presence of park rangers and gardaí in parks and public places to ensure that physical distancing is being observed.

The Taoiseach said that factories or construction sites should not have to shut – but that authorities can work with them to make sure physical distancing is possible.

Industry Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty and Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe also took to the podium to outline details of the €3.7 billion package to guarantee incomes of citizens impacted by the health crisis.

This afternoon Taoiseach Varadkar confirmed that the new COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment will rise to €350, while Revenue will run a temporary wage scheme to guarantee 70% of wages up to €38,000.

The unemployment payment announced earlier this week by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has had the flat rate of €203 per week for six weeks, increased by more than 50% to a €350 per week payment. Anyone living in the same household as a confirmed case who has to self-isolate will now also receive a €350 support payment.

The temporary wage scheme is available to employers who suffer at least a 25% shortfall in turnover and will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners.