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The government may ask the public to limit their close contacts only to their family during the Christmas period, as it examines ways to prevent a further increase in Covid-19 cases when the latest restrictions are lifted.
It was reported yesterday that Ireland could reopen more than expected when Level 5 restrictions are lifted on December 1.
The country could return to Level 3, which would reopen all stores but only allow open-air food and drink service for a small number.
As the Irish Times reports, the Government has plans to implement new “modified” measures. Among these are social restrictions under which the public will be asked to maintain “family oriented” contacts, especially during Christmas.
Restaurants are expected to get the green light to reopen, but there is growing pessimism that pubs that don’t serve food may.
Despite a significant drop in confirmed cases since the Level 5 restrictions were implemented three weeks ago, two high-level sources said the restrictions will not be eased before next month.
The hope is that this will result in further suppression of infections and further reduce the rate of reproduction of the disease. Another 362 cases of Covid-19 and two deaths were reported yesterday.
Level 2
Some high-level figures are hopeful that the state can revert to Tier 2 restrictions next month, which would see the vast majority of businesses and places reopen and allow people to travel outside of their county.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said yesterday that returning to Level 3 restrictions from December 1 was “a goal” and that officials were examining whether it was possible to ease them for certain sectors.
The parliamentary party Fine Gael discussed last night the economic and social damage that the state could cause entering and leaving the confinements. They agreed to find time in the Oireachtas to draw up a plan to lift the Level 5 restrictions.
Members of Fianna Fáil urged the Taoiseach to consider backing down to some kind of Level 2 curb to allow people to travel during Christmas. They asked for clarity to allow families to make plans for the holidays.
A showdown between the parties in the Northern Executive over the planned removal of Covid-19 restrictions starting at midnight Thursday
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