COVID-19 UPDATE
THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE IRISH GOVERNMENT AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU...
Dustingourselves off
B etter days for Ireland seem to be on the horizon. By mid-April, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had already reported that the growth rate of the pandemic had been driven “as low as it needs to be” - the curve had flattened. Now, the Department of the Taoiseach has released its plans for getting the country back on its feet again, in the safest way possible. We’ve combed through the reams of paperwork to bring you the most relevant information for plumbing and heating professionals. HOW ARE WE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL? The Government have published a document entitled: ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’, which explains the Government’s plan to ease Covid-19 measures and reopen Ireland’s economy and society in five stages (at three-week intervals). The process will be constantly monitored by NPHET and the government to ensure the Irish population is kept as safe as possible.
Main exterior of the Government Buildings in Dublin . Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)
are subject to change if required. There will be a long-term need for physical distancing, for good hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they are sick. There may be more difficult times ahead of us, but Ireland has certainly shown its resilience. “The Department of the Taoiseach has released its plans for getting the country back on its feet again, in the safest way possible”
PHASE 3 (29/06): Late June will see the return to work for those with low levels of interaction – this almost certainly applies to plumbers carrying out more routine jobs in the homes of their customers. Your customers and your own safety remain paramount, so measures including social distancing, using PPE and only working
WHAT ARE THE STAGES AND DATES RELEVANT TO ME?
DURING LOCKDOWN: Plumbers were amongst those in Ireland on the list of essential workers during the lockdown stage – however only for essential/ emergency repair and maintenance and those contributing to the construction of coronavirus provisions. This has also allowed merchants to continue reduced trade, as of course, plumbers still need products! PHASE 1 (18/05): The first stage allows for a phased return of outdoor workers. There will be an easing-in period where larger construction projects will stagger the number of workers, including plumbers on site, to limit the amount of human contact. PHASE 2 (08/06): The development of plans and supports to open up businesses again. Small retail outlets will be allowed to reopen, if they can accommodate necessary social distancing measures.
if you, or your household, have no symptoms will remain important.
PHASE 4 (20/07): Childcare services will reopen for everyone, gradually. This includes pre-school and crèches, which should provide a pathway for parents who have young children to get back to work. PHASE 5 (10/08): The final stage will see return to work across all sectors and also allow larger social gatherings, which could signal the green light for trade shows and other industry events to recommence if they can be done safely. CONCLUSION The Irish Government have published a thoughtful, clear pathway for the road out of this crisis, however these are goals that
For additional information:
www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach- announces-roadmap-for-reopening- society-and-business-and-u/
www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a- return-to-work-safely-protocol/
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