Ireland is easing some of its lockdown restrictions which will allow people over 70 to leave their home for the first time in nearly six weeks.
The Irish government is lifting a second measure which means people are now allowed to exercise within a 5km (3.1 miles) radius from their home rather than 2km (1.2 miles).
Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlined lockdown measures on 28 March which confined people to their homes for all but essentials reasons.
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The measures were designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect people from the virus.
Those aged over 70 and the vulnerable were strongly advised to “cocoon”, meaning they should stay in their homes and have minimal contact with those they don’t live with.
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They were advised not to leave their property for any reason and had to rely on relatives, friends or volunteers to bring them groceries.
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Those told to cocoon can now only leave their home for brief exercise.
They will still be unable to buy their own groceries as they have to adhere to social distancing guidance.
For many it will be the first time they have stepped out of their front gate in nearly six weeks.
Mr Varadkar has laid out a five-phase “roadmap for reopening society and business”, with the last phase to be implemented on 10 August.
