COVID-19: Easing of restrictions sees over 70s allowed out but schools to remain closed until September

People over the age of 70 who are cocooning will be able to leave their homes from from Tuesday as long at they avoid contact with other people – although public health advice will remain that they stay in doors, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Nation said this evening.

The 2km limit that is currently in place for exercise for the general population, including those over 70, is to be extended to 5km but by and large the restrictions have been extended until May 18.

The country will reopen in five stages, he said, with the last phase hopefully being August 10, although schools and colleges will not reopen until September and October.

The stages but will not have specific dates and will work in two to four week cycles.

On May 18, builders, landscaping and some businesses will reopen but bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not open until later in the summer.

If we relax the rules too soon we will see our ICUs overwhelmed, the doctors have said, and that’s why we must stay the course, Mr Varadkar added.