A six-week lockdown has been announced by this country amid rising COVID cases

Ireland will be the first EU country to return to coronavirus lockdown, issuing a nationwide “stay at home” order but insisting schools will stay open. Measures coming into effect for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday (2300 GMT) will see all non-essential retail businesses close and bars and restaurants limited to takeaway or delivery service only. “Everyone in the country is being asked to stay at home,” Martin said in a televised national address. Only essential workers will be “permitted to travel to work”, he said, and citizens will be allowed out to exercise only within five kilometres (three miles) of their residence.

The government warned in a statement that “there will be a penalty” for violating the five-kilometre restriction and that public transport will operate at 25 per cent capacity to serve essential workers only. Martin said schools and childcare facilities are to remain open “because we cannot and will not allow our children and young people’s futures to be another victim of this disease.” A ban on visits between different households and on indoor events will also be extended, although two households will be allowed to mix at outdoor venues such as parks. A “social bubble” programme will also allow those living alone, at risk of social isolation or mental health issues, to mingle with one other household.

And unlike under the previous shutdown order issued in March, elite and professional level sports will be permitted behind closed doors across Ireland – which has suffered 1,852 deaths from the coronavirus. ‘Saving Christmas’ – Martin said the Republic’s present restrictions were “probably Europe’s strictest regime” but that “further action is now required”. “If we pull together over the next six weeks, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way,” he said. “It is crucial that these measures work and we are in a place to reopen retail in advance of Christmas,” warned director Arnold Dillon. Daily deaths from the coronavirus in Ireland peaked at 77 in April and in recent weeks have consistently remained in the single digits, with none registered Monday.