LIVE | Ireland goes into lockdown, but schools remain open | Inland

Ireland is taking strict measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The country of 5 million inhabitants will more or less go into lockdown from Thursday. The schools will remain open, Prime Minister Micheal Martin said at a news conference.

Everyone is advised to stay at home if possible. People are not allowed to go further than 5 kilometers from home to visit no more than one household. Non-essential stores are closing. Cafés and restaurants are only allowed to serve customers who come to collect something. The construction sector can still remain active.

The measures will take effect on Wednesday at midnight. The highest phase of disability will remain in effect for six weeks.

“I understand the feeling of disappointment, loneliness and despair that this announcement brings,” said the prime minister, according to broadcaster RTE. “If we keep this up for the next six weeks, we will be able to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way.”

The lockdown earlier this year was one of the longest in Europe. Ireland reported 1031 new cases on Monday, bringing the total to nearly 51,000. The country has reported 1,852 deaths.

More news

Inland:

Abroad:

Financial-economic:

Sport:

Entertainment and personal:

View the live blog here Sunday, October 18

–