As restrictions such as the 5k rule are set to be eased on Monday, there was a boost in Galway’s Covid19 figures this week when the 14-day incidence rate fell below 100 for the first time since December 24.
Figures released this week show that Galway city and county incidence rate per 100’000 of population stood at 86.8, with just 224 cases of the virus confirmed over the past fortnight.
This downward trend is to be welcomed and comes as Galway-native Liz Canavan, assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach said last evening that further restrictions may be eased from early May if “we can hold firm for a little bit longer.’
At a Covid-19 briefing on Wednesday, Ms Liz Canavan said the further easing could include the return of construction, retail, and hairdressers as well as the reopening of cultural sites.
“If we can hold firm for a little bit longer, and if the health situation allows, a further of easing of restrictions will be considered from May 4. Areas being considered are the full reopening of construction, the phased return of non-essential retail starting with click and collect and outdoor retail like garden centres and nurseries, the recommencement of personal services on a staggered basis, reopening of museums, galleries and libraries and the recommencement of religious services on a staggered basis.”
From next Monday, people will be asked to “stay local” as the 5km limit on non-essential trael is eased to allow in-county travel along with journeys within a 20km radius across county borders.
From the same date, people can also meet one other household outdoors but not in gardens. All residential construction will also restart. All secondary school students from first to transition year will also return to schools for the first time this year.
