COVID-19: Phase One of Ireland's Roadmap for Reopening Begins Today

Opinion
18 May 20

People walking around The Liberties, Dublin, on Sunday 15th of March. Copyright Ava Holtzman.

Commentators have shared their responses to the beginning of Phase One on social media.

Thousands of businesses are opening their doors this morning, May 18, for the first time in weeks, as Phase One of Ireland's roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions begins. Among those returning to work are construction workers and landscapers, as well as people employed in hardware stores, garden centres, opticians and farmers markets. Businesses selling and repairing motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles can also reopen. See the official list of retailers that are reopening here.

Although the public have been advised by the Government to "still stay at home as much as you possibly can", Phase One will allow "up to 4 people who don't live together [to] to meet outdoors while keeping at least 2 metres apart".

Phase Two of Ireland's roadmap for reopening is set to begin on June 8 – and will allow the public to travel up to 20km from their homes; visits of up to four people to another household for a short period of time while abiding by social distancing; and the return to the workplace of "workers who can keep a 2 metre distance from others".

This first step in the loosening of restrictions has been met positively across social media – though many commentators have urged people to continue listening to public health advice. Take a look at some of the reactions from Irish people below:

Today marks the beginning of Phase 1 in Ireland. I'm looking forward to meeting a friend for a run/cycle but apart from that life stays the same. Working from home continues, doing one big shop every so often and still embracing the video calls! #IrelandPhase1 #IrelandLockdown https://t.co/htAzPKI2it

— 🌍 Rachel Abernethy 🏃🏻‍♀️ (@raachel712) May 18, 2020

As we start phase one I'm happy to report I am exactly where I have been for the rest of the time. Its Phase 1 after all #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/NeIConSNzs

— J.P Swaine (@jpswaine) May 18, 2020

Day 1 of new phase, a few thoughts:
- your effort has gotten us here
- virus has not gone away
- care & caution needed
- keep following health advice
- just because it’s open doesn’t mean we need to go
- get these 3 weeks right & we can move further then

Keep safe. #Covid19

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 18, 2020

Just because you're sick and tired of living under lockdown doesn't mean the virus is sick and tired of killing people. Tomorrow is just the start of making the last 7 weeks mean something.

— John Maguire (@JMaguireCritic) May 17, 2020

Woodies has also been trending on Twitter – with some commentators reacting to the reopening of the nationwide hardware stores with typical Irish humour.