As all are undoubtedly aware An Taoiseach announced last night that the country now reverts back to Level 5 until the end of January, at least. Whilst this is awful news clearly with the worsening Covid 19 situation drastic action was required. From our sport and Clonliffe’s point of view this means that club activity goes into hibernation with all club activities now suspended (with the exception of elite athletes). Group training is no longer permitted, according to the Government press release training is only now permitted individually, although it is noteworthy that outdoor exercise is allowable with people from one other household. The beyond 5k travel ban is reimposed, and no competition is permitted.
Clonliffe athletes are encouraged to remain in contact with their coaches who will continue to put training schedules in place and to follow those plans. Please also follow all health advise. We set out the full details as released and the club expects our members to do what is right for the national good by adhering to these guidelines. Please stay safe, stay well, stay in contact with your club mates, stay positive as there is light ahead and these dark days will once again pass. We’ve done it before and we can do it again. Nil desperandum.
Overview of restrictions
Family and social gatherings
- no visitors are permitted in private homes/gardens (except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble)
- no social/family gatherings should take place in other settings
- people may meet with people from one other household in outdoor settings when taking exercise
Weddings and funerals
- weddings planned up to and including 2 January may proceed as planned, up to a maximum of 25 guests. Weddings from 3 January may proceed, but with a maximum of 6 guests
- funerals may have up to 10 mourners
Domestic travel restrictions
- people will be required to stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, and will be permitted to take exercise within 5km of home
- people away from their place of residence on 31 December will be permitted to return to their place of residence
Retail and personal services
- all retail, other than essential retail must close from close of business on 31 December
- all non-essential services remain closed
- click and collect services will be available
Work
- work from home unless essential for work which is an essential health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home
Schools, early learning and childcare services, higher and adult education
- early learning and childcare services open with protective measures
- schools open from 11 January with further review on precise situation in advance of that date
- higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online
Business, training, arts events
- no organised indoor events should take place
- no organised outdoor events should take place
Museums, galleries and other cultural venues
- all museums, galleries and other indoor cultural attractions closed
Hospitality
- bars, cafes, restaurants, including hotel restaurants/bars can offer take away food and delivery only
- nightclubs, discos and casinos closed
- hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. Anyone staying in a hotel on 30 December may complete their stay
Sport and exercise
Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes. No indoor or outdoor gatherings involving “individual training” except for exempted groups.
- no matches or events to take place – professional, elite sports, horse-racing and greyhound racing and approved equestrian events only are permitted to continue behind closed doors
- gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools should close from close of business on 31 December
- no indoor or outdoor exercise group activities including those involving children should take place.
- golf and tennis should not proceed
Public transport
- people are requested to walk or cycle where possible and to avoid public transport, so it can be used by essential workers for essential purposes only. Public transport capacity is restricted to 25%
- outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks to remain open
- LTRC facilities visiting: suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances
- over 70s and medically vulnerable – each person should exercise individual judgement and there is specific guidance provided