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The first part of Ireland's five-phase plan for exiting its coronavirus lockdown has come into effect with the lifting of some restrictions.

Heath Minister Simon Harris said he was pleased that Ireland was taking its first steps out of the lockdown as of Monday, but admitted he was also "nervous" about the move "because the virus has not gone away".

As of this week, some retail outlets are reopening, outdoor work is resuming and sports like golf and tennis can be played again.

Those able return to work on Monday include construction workers, gardeners and people tending to allotments, with garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets, opticians and mechanics all permitted to reopen.

Read more: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/ireland-eases-coronavirus-lockdown-restrictions-a4443251.html