National Bus and Rail Union

The Union for All Transport Workers

Dublin enters phase 3 covid-19 restrictions

Sep 18, 2020 | Bus Éireann, Bus Éireann - Cork, Bus Éireann - Dublin, Bus Éireann - Galway, Bus Éireann - Limerick, Bus Éireann - North East, Bus Éireann - North West, Bus Éireann - Waterford, Dublin Bus, Dublin Bus - Broadstone, Dublin Bus - Clontarf, Dublin Bus - Conygham Road, Dublin Bus - Donnybrook, Dublin Bus - Harristown, Dublin Bus - Phibsboro, Dublin Bus - Ringsend, Dublin Bus - Summerhill, go-ahead, goahead, Irish Rail, Irish Rail - Connolly, Irish Rail - Cork, Irish Rail - Dart, Irish Rail - Galway, Irish Rail - Heuston, Irish Rail - Limerick, Irish Rail - Per Way, Irish Rail - Signals, Irish Rail - Sligo, National News

DUBLIN IS NOW UNDER PHASE 3 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS:

                                                  (EFFECTIVE MIDNIGHT 18/09/2020)

Explainer: What does Level 3 mean?

Under Level 3, the Government says the priority is to keep schools and childcare facilities open and minimise disruption in the work force.

This means that a number of services will be moved online, while some businesses will be closed (such as museums and other indoor cultural venues).

The Government also says that additional restrictions will apply to restaurants and pubs.

People will be asked to stay in their region and to keep the number of people they meet to a minimum.

Restaurants and pubs

In relation to bars, cafes, restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars) as well so-called wet pubs, there will be additional restrictions in place NO INDOOR DINING.

Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.

Social and family gatherings

Visitors are allowed from one other household only.

The Government says that no social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.

Organised indoor gatherings, such as business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas, should not take place.

Organised outdoor gatherings, such as outdoor arts events and training events, can take place but only with gatherings of up to 15 people.

Weddings

Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception. (50 UNTIL MONDAY 21ST)

Sports

For outdoor sports, non-contact training only in pods of up to 15 will be allowed (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).

For indoors sports, there will be individual training only and no exercise or dance classes.

No matches or events can take place.

However, there will be an exemption for professional/elite/inter-county/club championship/horse-racing events, which can take place behind closed doors.

Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools will remain open with protective measures, for individual training only.

Religion

Religious services will move online, with places of worship to remain open for private prayer.

Up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral.

Arts and museums

All museums, galleries and other cultural attractions will be closed.

Libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect.

Hotels and retail

Hotels and accommodation will be open but services limited to residents.

Retail and services (such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers) will be open with protective measures in place. Face coverings must always be worn.

Work

The Government says people must work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.

Travel

For domestic travel, people will have to stay in their county (or other defined geographical area) apart from work, education and other essential purposes, if appropriate.

Education

Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures in place.

Further, higher and adult education will escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible.

Public transport and parks

Face coverings must be worn on public transport, which will be limited to 50%. It is for essential workers and essential purposes only.

People are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.

Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures in place.

Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable

People aged 70 and over as well as the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside their home.

Specific guidance will be provided.

Visiting long-term residential care facilities, such as nursing and care homes, will be suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.