The roadmap: How Ireland will gradually work its way to the 'new normal' 

Tonight the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar announced Ireland’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, with five phases to ease restrictions.

Each phase consists of a number of options.

The Government stressed that these are just predictions at this stage and will depend on the medical advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team at the time in question.

Phase 1 (18 May)

Allow outdoor meetings between people from different households

Open up childcare for healthcare workers

Phased return of outdoor workers

Open retailers which are primarily outdoor or those which were open during first level of restriction (for example: opticians)

Opening of certain outdoor public amenities

Phase 2 (8 June)

Allow visits to households

Develop plans and supports to open up business with consideration for safety of staff and customers

Open small retail outlets and marts where social distancing can be observed

Open public libraries

Phase 3 (29 June)

Allow small social gatherings

Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of essential workers in phased manner

Return to work for those with low levels of interaction

Open non-essential retail outlets with street level entrance and exit

Open playgrounds

Phase 4 (20 July)

Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing basis

Return to work for those who cannot work from home

Gradual easing of restrictions for higher risk services (for example: hairdressers)

Opening of museums, galleries, places of worship

Phase 5 (10 August)

Allow larger social gatherings

Return to work across all sectors

On a phased basis, commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2020/2021, opening of primary and secondary schools and 3rd level institutions

Further easing of restrictions on high risk retail services