As the first phase of the Government’s plan to return a semblance of normality to local communities commences on Monday (May 18 ), confirmed COVID-19 figures within County Westmeath continue to escalate with 643 confirmed cases as of midnight, May 10.
Figures released by the Home Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC ) detail Westmeath as having the fourth highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases per population, the 643 number representing 2.8 percent of the county’s inhabitants.
As Monday fast approaches, members of the local public should adhere to the following guidelines for a three week period, prior to the implementation of the second phase of post lockdown life.
Phase 1 - May 18
Small groups permitted to meet outdoors
Childcare for essential healthcare workers provided
Phased return of outdoor workers
Retail (outdoor in nature ) to open subject to social distancing
Opening of select public amenities
The second phase of the Government’s carefully planned reopening of the country will commence on Monday, June 8, the fifth and final phase to start on Monday, August 10.
