On Sunday night, our phones buzzed with notifications about NPHET’s recommendation for an immediate nationwide Level 5 lockdown for the next 4 weeks. Confusion and panic were felt in households across the country. On Monday, the government announced that instead of locking down the country as they did in March, the entire country would move to Level 3 for 3 weeks. So what does this involve?

What restrictions are in Level 3?

Dublin and Donegal have been on Level 3 of the Living with COVID-19 Framework since mid-September. This nationwide implementation of Level 3 is in effect from Tuesday, 6th of October to Tuesday, 27th of October.

The following are some of the restrictions within this level:

  • Max. 6 visitors from 1 household
  • No indoor events and only 15 at outdoor events
  • Only individual training at gyms, leisure centres and pools
  • No indoor dining, outdoor dining only with a max capacity of 15 people
  • Stay within your county except for work, education & essential purposes
  • Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are for residents only 
  • Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks will remain open

What happens if I’ve booked a staycation?

If you booked a staycation during this period, you can either move your dates, change your accommodation stay in your own county or go ahead against the current government restrictions. 

If you do travel to a different county for a staycation, there is a strong chance that the hotel will refuse entry to anyone travelling from outside that county, as, under level 3, it’s advised to stay within your own county unless absolutely necessary. 

There will be an increased Garda presence on Irish roads with 132 fixed daily checkpoints on arterial routes with Operation Fanacht starting from midnight tonight. Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee has confirmed that under Level 3, the Gardaí will have no additional powers to enforce the restrictions of this level. 

While wet pubs remain closed in Dublin, they are still open around the country. Restaurants, cafes, pubs will be limited to 15 people sitting outdoors or offer a takeaway service. The restaurants and bars in hotels will be strictly for residents only but will allow for indoor dining. In addition to restrictions for dining and drinking, all museums, galleries and cultural institutions will be closed during this period. 

What happens if I choose to change my dates?

If you booked a staycation with Click&Go for the period that Level 3 is in effect, you can change your dates. Although, like with foreign holidays, the further out you change your dates the better. We would advise changing at least 7 days before your staycation is due to begin.