Is Ireland setting an example with its strict COVID-19 lockdown?

Coronavirus has turned the world upside down. With the numbers of COVID-19 patients increasing rapidly across the world, Ireland has decided to re-enter lockdown from October 21 in a bid to put a cap on the virus spread. This time, the country will be imposing more restrictions and stringent measures. With this, Ireland has become the first European Union (EU) country to re-enter COVID-19 triggered lockdown.

On Monday, Ireland announced some of the hardest Coronavirus constraints on its residents. From limiting the number of visitors in a restaurant to closing all the non-essential shops, and limiting take away services to asking people to stay within five km range of their home, the restrictions are quite strict and serious this time.
Prime Minister Micheal Martin said that the country will be moving to the highest level of restrictions, which is Level 5, for six weeks starting Wednesday. Even during the initial phase of the lockdown, Ireland had imposed one of the longest lockdowns in the whole of Europe.
However, schools will remain open in the second phase of lockdown and few essential services like construction work will be allowed. Hotels will also remain open, but only for essential workers.
In his address to the nation, PM Martin said, “The evidence of a potentially grave situation arising in the weeks ahead is now too strong.” On Sunday, the single-day record for the country was broken for the fifth time in nine days.

The country’s rigid stance can also be seen as a model for the tourism industry, since it is one of the most-visited loved countries for tourists from around the world. It is a country blessed with natural bounty. Despite being small in size, Ireland features an impressive number of tourist attractions, ranging from some of the world’s best art galleries to natural wonders.

For nature lovers, the Burren National Park, Newgrange, Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit.

For history and museum enthusiasts, Ireland’s Guinness Storehouse, National Museum of Ireland and National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, and Titanic Belfast are some of the unmissable attractions.

With the new measures in place, the country is bound to stay off-limits for most travellers.