Europe’s strictest regime: Ireland declares highest-level response to COVID-19

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Monday night declared that the whole country will move to the highest Level-5 response to deal with the deteriorating COVID-19 situation.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech following a cabinet meeting, Martin said the government’s decision will be implemented starting from midnight on Wednesday and last for six weeks until Dec. 1.

“If we all pull together over the next six weeks, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way,” he said.

Under the Level-5 response, all people in the country, except essential workers, are required to stay at home and their movement from home shall be limited to 5 kilometers, he said.

According to Martin, only essential retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, and restaurants, cafes and bars can only provide takeaway services.

Describing the Level 5 measures as “probably Europe’s strictest regime”, Martin said that a full lockdown is “simply not a realistic option” and some exceptions will be made.

According to him, schools, childcare services, construction sector and most manufacturing will remain open.

Level 5 is the highest level under the Irish government’s medium-term COVID-19 plan introduced in mid-September. It is similar to the level of restrictions experienced in March and April, except schools will remain open, according to the Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE.