Ireland Implements Full Lockdown for One Month Amid COVID-19 Surge

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Ireland has implemented a full lockdown as the spread of the variant novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that began in the United Kingdom continues.

On the 31st, according to foreign media, Irish Prime Minister Miche?l Martin announced this plan in a national address.

Accordingly, citizens are not allowed to travel beyond 5 km from their homes without special reasons, and non-essential stores are prohibited from operating. Social gatherings are not permitted except for allowing a limited number of people at weddings and funerals.

Ireland had already entered the COVID-19 response Level 5, a de facto lockdown, from December 24, Christmas Eve, until January 12 of next year. However, non-essential stores and gyms were allowed to open, and no special restrictions were applied to movement.

But judging that the spread of the variant COVID-19 is serious, more stringent measures were implemented.

Earlier this month, Ireland's daily new COVID-19 cases were around 200 to 300, but yesterday recorded 1,718, the highest since the pandemic began.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.