Ireland Lockdown End Decision – Level Five Extension, Pubs, Restaurants, Shops, Travel & Rest Up for Discussion

Talks are already underway ahead of the big decision to exit the lockdown scheduled for the end of next week.

Ireland is nearing the end of the prescribed six-week lockdown in hopes of reaching Level Three for people across the country.

However, since the case numbers are not as low as health experts expected, there is some concern that not all counties will be allowed to leave.

NPHET and government officials will meet during the week to decide what December will be like in Ireland.

Here’s a quick rundown of what will be discussed and what it means to you;

Level Five Extension

Minister Stephen Donnelly said there was “no appetite” for a Tier extension after the December 1 date, but recent events may change that.

The Sunday Independent reports that senior officials believe Dr. Tony Holohan and NPHET want the country to be shut down for a few more weeks.

NPHET will meet before sending a recommendation to the government on Thursday when its thoughts will emerge.

Level two or three

The discussion on December 1 was expected to be for Level Two or Three.

However, with the number of daily cases still in the hundreds, Level Two is expected to be off the table and Level Three is how the country will start December.

That is, of course, unless health experts believe level three is not good enough and it takes four or five.

Pubs and restaurants

Pubs reopening will be on the agenda, but there is pessimism about the chances that the Irish will be sitting at their venue this Christmas.

Level two allows the opening of indoor areas in pubs, while level three simply allows outdoor dining for 15 people.

Restaurants follow the same rules and expect to open during the month and beyond.

The government will make a decision on this by the end of next week.

Travel

So far, the government has suggested that people should not fly home for Christmas, but has not issued a final decision on the matter.

But that’s expected after next week’s decision with clear guidance on what the quarantine rules are and whether the country’s leaders welcome visitors.

There is also likely to be a discussion about whether people can leave their county to visit relatives this Christmas, even if we are at Level Three, which would not currently allow it.

Reports suggest this is being seriously considered so that family members can reunite.

Retail

Retail is widely expected to start again on December 1 unless a Level Five extension is added to the mix.

Stores like Smyths and Penneys are also expected to have even longer opening hours to cope with the likely high demand.