ON TUESDAY, the Irish Government unveiled the new 'Living With Covid' plan.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, along with Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly outlined the plan in detail and explained their vision for the next stage of the country's fight against coronavirus.
But what does it all mean, and how will it affect your day-to-day life?
Well, this Irish Post has got you covered:
What is the 'Living With Covid' Plan?
The 'Living With Covid' plan is essentially a short-term emergency response approach to managing the coronavirus pandemic in Ireland over the next six months.
How will it work?
A 'framework' for restrictive measures has been laid out which consists of five different levels. Each level represents a different magnitude of Covid-19 outbreak.
Higher levels will be activated when there is a high amount of Covid-19 cases, and subsequently, a higher amount of restrictions will need to be put in place.
Lower levels will be activated when case numbers are low, and restrictions will be subsequently lowered.
It works in a similar way to the colour-coded weather warning system in Ireland. As the level of danger changes, so does the categorisation.
What do each of the levels mean?
For detailed information on each of the levels, surrounding things like social gatherings, work, travel and schools, check out the Government's summary here.
Or, for information on Level 1 specifically, click here
For information on Level 2, click here
For information on Level 3, click here
For information on Level 4, click here
For information on Level 5, click here
What level is Ireland currently in?
Ireland is currently in Level 2 - the second lowest - except for Dublin, which is considered to be on level "2.5" according to Taoiseach Martin, due to the slightly stricter restrictions currently in place in the capital.
Can different counties be placed into different levels?
Yes. A county's level placement will depend on its management of the Covid-19 situation locally.
How long will this system be in place?
The level system will remain in place for at least six months, unless a vaccine is found and the disease eradicated. A review of the system will take place towards the end of the six month period, after which it could be extended.
