Covid-19: Strict new measures come into effect at midnight
Stricter nationwide public health measures will come into effect at midnight tonight. A ten-person limit will be the general rule, with the exception of children born in 2015 and later. Primary, secondary, music and higher education institutions will be closed until the Easter holidays. A wide range of activities that do not fall under the 10-person limit rule will be suspended.
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office.
Tighter nationwide public health measures will come into effect at midnight tonight. A ten-person limit will be the general rule, with the exception of children born in 2015 or later. Primary, secondary, music and higher education institutions will be closed until the Easter holidays. A wide range of activities that do not fall within the 10-person limit will be suspended. The Health Minister's decision to tighten public health measures is based on the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer to take immediate action due to recent domestic cluster infections to prevent further spread of the virus. The tightened rules will be in place for 3 weeks.
Key rules coming into effect at midnight:
The two-metre rule will remain in place, and the rules on wearing face coverings will remain unchanged. As before, children born in 2005 or later will be exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering but will still be subject to the limits on numbers and proximity. Children in nurseries are exempt from the 2-metre rule and the limits on numbers.
- General mass restrictions 10 people and to reach everyone born in 2014 or earlier.
- Faith and belief organisations can accommodate 30 guests at ceremonies. They must be registered with their name, ID number and phone number, but do not need to sit in numbered seats. Guests are required to wear face masks and the 2-metre rule must be observed. The maximum number for wakes, confirmation parties and similar events is 10 people.
- Swimming and bathing places closed.
- Health and fitness centres Closed.
- Sports Indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults, which require closer than 2 metres or where there is a risk of contact transmission due to shared equipment, are prohibited.
- Performing arts and comparable activities, such as cinemas, are not permitted.
- Entertainment venues, Clubs, casinos, gambling halls and slot machines closed.
- Driving and flying lessons Prohibited for teachers.
- Restaurants mega may be open until 22:00, with a maximum of 20 guests in the premises, who must all be registered and be seated in numbered seats. Food and drink must be served to seated customers. New guests may be admitted until 21:00.
- Shops A maximum of 5 people per 10 m² may be accommodated, up to a total of 50 people. 20 staff members may be in the same space as customers. A two-metre social distancing rule and a requirement to wear a face covering apply.
- Hairdressing salons, beauty salons and similar activities will remain at home.
Schooling
Primary, secondary, music and higher education schools will be closed from tomorrow until the usual Easter holiday begins. Arrangements for the resumption of schooling after the Easter holiday will be finalised in the coming days.