Coronavirus: Ireland begins first phase of easing lockdown rules

The Republic of Ireland is beginning the first phase of relaxing its Covid-19 restrictions. Some construction firms will return to work and garden centres and hardware stores can reopen. Tom Parlon, the director general of the Construction Industry Federation, estimates that about 30,000 builders - a fifth of the industry's workforce - will return to work. Social distancing will be observed on site and travelling to and from work. 'Remaining two metres apart will be a big challenge,' he said. 'But builders will be using masks and shields to protect themselves.'