The Government of Ireland announced a 5-stage strategy for easing restrictions and reactivating the economy during COVID-19. Related to practising sports, the Irish Government has drawn up a roadmap for modifying restrictions stretching from individual exercise to sports spectating with limited numbers and separation. Based on a 3 week review process, the current phases would commence on the following dates:
Phase 1 (May 18th)
- Personal outdoor exercise limit 5km (4 people max).
- Tennis and golf re-open with social distancing. Groups of 4 max.
Phase 2 (June 8th)
- Personal outdoor exercise limit 20km (2 people max).
- Small Outdoor Team Sports resume training, with non-contact/social distancing
Phase 3 (June 29th)
- Sport playing behind closed doors with social distancing (no spectators)
- Open playgrounds where social distancing and hygiene can be maintained
Phase 4 (July 20th)
- Open public swimming pools, cleaning/hygiene rules and social distancing
- Sports team matches with limited spectators
Phase 5 (August 10th)
- Open fitness gyms, exercise, dance studios, sports clubs with hygiene rules
- Close physical contact sports permitted, e.g. rugby, boxing, wrestling
- Sports spectating with limited numbers and separation
www.gov.ie: Roadmap for reopening society and business
photo: Unsplash / Max Williams
