[ad_1]
Three phases of the Covid-19 restrictions are expected to be announced by December under the government’s plan to reopen the country after the shutdown.
aoiseach Micheal Martin has told Cabinet that he intends to move the country to Level 3 restrictions next week.
In the cabinet this morning there was a brief discussion on leaving the lockdown, but the ministers agreed to give their views privately to their party leaders before another meeting later this week.
The Government is awaiting recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), but three phases of restrictions are expected in December.
Non-essential retail stores will open next week along with hair salons, barbers and gyms. Outdoor sports such as golf and tennis are also expected to be allowed.
The 5km travel ban could also be lifted and people could travel within their own county. Travel between countries for non-essential reasons will continue to be prohibited.
The home visiting ban may not be lifted next week and is expected to remain in effect until the end of December.
The second phase of restrictions in December is proposed to see restaurants and bars that serve food reopen.
However, there are ongoing discussions about when this should happen and officials are also looking for new definitions for restaurants to ensure pubs serve food legitimately.
Pubs may be required to have an operational kitchen in order to open under the new rules being considered.
“We want to clamp down on the opening of pubs because they have a chipping truck in the back,” said a government source.
The third phase of restrictions will allow home visits in conjunction with inter-county travel. This is expected to be closer to Christmas Day to allow people to return home and see their families.
Guidance will be issued on how to have a safe Christmas gathering, but no definitive rules on how many people can be in a household are expected.
“We don’t want people to reject their relatives from their doors,” said a government source.
The restrictions may be increased once again in January to stop any spread of the virus before a vaccine is rolled out in the new year.
There is an ongoing discussion within the government on easing the restrictions and Nphet is expected to issue guidance later this week.
The cabinet will meet again to discuss Nphet’s recommendation before the Taoiseach announces the new measures.
Online editors
[ad_2]