The second phase of the easing of coronavirus restrictions, scheduled to start on Monday (8th June), will herald a phased return to workplaces for some staff who can “constantly” maintain two metres of social distancing.

However, the Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’ says remote working should be maintained “for all workers and businesses that can do so.”

Monday will also see the beginning of a gradual resumption of library services, with Fórsa continuing to engage with council employers to ensure maximum health protections for staff and library users.

A national protocol, agreed between government, unions and employers, outlines the steps that employers and workers must take to ensure a safe workplace as restrictions are relaxed in the coming weeks and months.

Monday’s relaxation of travel restrictions will also allow people to travel 20 kilometres from home, though the regulations say unnecessary travel should still be avoided.

Fórsa has warned that continued restrictions on public transport numbers, which remain in place during the next three-week ‘roadmap’ phase, are likely to hamper the return to workplaces for some.

In evidence to the Oireachtas special committee on the Covid-19 response, Fórsa said the “restricted availability of public transport, together with health concerns related to commuting” could inhibit the reopening of the economy.

The ‘phase two’ easing of restrictions will also see small retail outlets reopen if they are able to control the number of interactions between staff and customers. And people can visit those ‘cocooning’ in small numbers, so long as they wear gloves and face coverings and keep a distance of at least two metres.

See also ‘Staff confidence in safety steps required’. 

Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE.