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Ireland adapts to coronavirus lockdown Ireland goes quiet as public adapt to coronavirus lockdown
(32 minutes later)
Central Dublin and other bustling areas now resemble ghost towns after sweeping restrictions set to last two weeks Urban areas resemble ghost towns as vast majority obey sweeping restrictions
A nationwide lockdown has left Ireland’s public spaces hushed and deserted amid overwhelming public support for extreme measures to control the coronavirus pandemic.A nationwide lockdown has left Ireland’s public spaces hushed and deserted amid overwhelming public support for extreme measures to control the coronavirus pandemic.
Central Dublin and other usually bustling urban centres were like ghost towns on Sunday on the second day of sweeping restrictions that are to last two weeks, until 12 April.Central Dublin and other usually bustling urban centres were like ghost towns on Sunday on the second day of sweeping restrictions that are to last two weeks, until 12 April.
The vast majority of the population appeared to be following appeals to stay home except to buy food, care for vulnerable people, do work deemed essential or briefly exercise within 2km of home. The vast majority of the population appeared to be following appeals to stay at home except to buy food, care for vulnerable people, do work deemed essential or briefly exercise within 2km (1.2 miles) of home.
The state has deployed hundreds of extra police on the streets and passed new laws to enforce the restrictions – violators can be arrested, fined €2500 (£2241) and jailed for six months. The state has deployed hundreds of extra police on the streets and passed laws to enforce the restrictions – violators can be arrested, fined €2,500 (£2,241) and jailed for six months.
But the hope is that community spirit will ensure compliance. “I’m appealing to every man, woman and child to make these sacrifices for the love of each other... show that you care for your family and friends: stay home,” the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said on Friday when he announced the restrictions. But the hope is that community spirit will ensure compliance. “I’m appealing to every man, woman and child to make these sacrifices for the love of each other … show that you care for your family and friends: stay home,” the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said on Friday when he announced the restrictions.
Neon signs reminding people about not grouping together and keeping 6ft (2 metres) apart have sprouted across Ireland. The finance minister, Paschal Donohoe, encouraged the mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to reinforce the message to his social media followers. Neon signs reminding people about not grouping together and keeping 6ft (1.8 metres) apart have sprouted across Ireland. The finance minister, Paschal Donohoe, encouraged the mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to reinforce the message to his social media followers.
An opinion poll published on Sunday showed 97% of people agreed that the government should have powers to detain those with the virus for as long as necessary if they refuse to self-isolate. Around 95% agreed it should also be able to stop people travelling to contain the virus. An opinion poll published on Sunday showed 97% of people agreed that the government should have powers to detain those with the virus for as long as necessary if they refused to self-isolate. About 95% agreed it should also be able to stop people travelling.
The Business Post/Red C poll was taken before Varadkar’s speech but after a series of other measures – including closure of schools, universities and businesses and a ban on sporting events – that have been phased in since 13 March.The Business Post/Red C poll was taken before Varadkar’s speech but after a series of other measures – including closure of schools, universities and businesses and a ban on sporting events – that have been phased in since 13 March.
“The support is clearly based on the overwhelming concern evident amongst the public that the virus could have a long-lasting impact on the economy,” Richard Colwell, chief executive of Red C, wrote in the Business Post. “The support is clearly based on the overwhelming concern evident amongst the public that the virus could have a long-lasting impact on the economy,” Richard Colwell, the chief executive of Red C, wrote in the Business Post.
The poll found a resurgence in support for Varadkar’s ruling Fine Gael party. In a general election last month it slumped to 21%, behind Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, but now has 34% support, ahead of its two main rivals. Instead of entering opposition, as originally expected, Fine Gael’s caretaker administration is talking to Fianna Fail and smaller parties about forming a new government. The poll found a resurgence in support for Varadkar’s ruling Fine Gael party. In a general election last month it slumped to 21%, behind Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil, but now has 34% support, ahead of its two main rivals. Instead of entering opposition, as originally expected, Fine Gael’s caretaker administration is talking to Fianna Fáil and smaller parties about forming a new government.
Ireland has recorded 2,615 cases of Covid-19 infections and 46 deaths.Ireland has recorded 2,615 cases of Covid-19 infections and 46 deaths.
Health Service Executive chiefs told a media briefing they did not know when the pandemic would peak but were planning on mid-April. They will ask members of the public to opt into a mobile phone tracking app to facilitate contact tracing of people who may be infected.Health Service Executive chiefs told a media briefing they did not know when the pandemic would peak but were planning on mid-April. They will ask members of the public to opt into a mobile phone tracking app to facilitate contact tracing of people who may be infected.
Northern Ireland on Sunday recorded another 86 cases of infection, bringing its total to 410, and six deaths, pushing the death toll to 21.Northern Ireland on Sunday recorded another 86 cases of infection, bringing its total to 410, and six deaths, pushing the death toll to 21.
The region introduced strict new restrictions on Saturday night that aligned it with the rest of the UK.The region introduced strict new restrictions on Saturday night that aligned it with the rest of the UK.
Simon Byrne, the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said his force would apply new laws to enforce the restrictions, including fines of up to £5,000, “only when absolutely necessary”.Simon Byrne, the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said his force would apply new laws to enforce the restrictions, including fines of up to £5,000, “only when absolutely necessary”.