LAST UPDATE | 19 Jun 2020

TAOISEACH LEO VARADKAR has announced a further re-configuration of the government’s roadmap for re-opening the country.

Speaking at Government Buildings this evening, Varadkar announced a “re-phasing” of the roadmap so that much re-opening will be brought forward to Phase Three, which begins on 29 June.

“I’m making this announcement today to give people time to prepare, so that places can be ready to reopen,” he said.

All hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to re-open from that date, while all sports will also re-commence, although with a limited number of spectators.

The latest revamp of the roadmap also sees guidelines on indoor and outdoor gatherings changed to allow for larger groups to meet up.

From 29 June, groups of 50 will be allowed indoors and 200 people will be allowed outdoors, with that number set to rise at the beginning of Phase Four on 20 July.

Churches and places of worship and cinemas will also be allowed to re-open, as will gyms and leisure facilities once social distancing and hygiene protocols are brought in.

Cabinet signed off on the decisions this afternoon, following recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Varadkar also asked the public to observe measures under the acronym DATE, standing for Distance, Activity, Time and Environment.

The public is now being asked to stay 2 metres away from others where possible (D), wash their hands and wear face coverings in crowded places (A), be conscious of the length of time they spend with another person (T), and to bear in mind that poorly-ventilated environments are riskier spaces than outdoors (E).

“This refacing of the roadmap has been made possible by the solidarity you’ve shown, and the sacrifices, decisions and choices that you’ve made over the last few months,” Varadkar said.

“That has made it possible for us the nation to suppress this virus.”

The Taoiseach added that the government and citizens would need to continue to act responsibly and stop the spread of the virus.

“We know the way out, we know what needs to be done,” he said.

“And the next roadmap will be a roadmap for economic recovery, the national recovery plan in the years to come.”

- With reporting by Stephen McDermott, Christina Finn and PA