An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is no need for people to stockpile food as a result of the new restrictions announced on Friday night.

“No need to do all shopping or stockpile this morning. Food stores and takeaways staying open in the emergency.

“The 2km is about exercising locally. You can go beyond the 2km to buy food and medicines,” he said.

Varadkar also said that “supplies are good. We all have a part to play in rising to this challenge.”

Exempt

Farming and food production are exempt from new restrictions which came into effect at midnight on Friday for a two-week period until Easter Sunday 12 April.

An Taoiseach said people can travel only in the following situations:

  • To and from work, where the work is an essential health, social care or other essential service that cannot be done from home.
  • For farming purposes, that is food production and the care of animals.
  • To shop for food or household goods.
  • To attend medical appointments or collect medicines and other health products.
  • For vital family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people.
  • To take brief individual physical exercise, within 2km of your own home, which may include children from your own household, as long as you adhere to two-metre physical distancing.

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