Inter-county travel ban will be lifted on December 18 so families can reunite for Christmas

The inter-county travel ban will be lifted closer to Christmas to allow families to get together in time for the holiday period, the Cabinet approved.

As the Level Five lockdown restrictions ease next week, people will be advised not to leave their county, with exemptions for essential travel.

The government will allow people to move freely around the country starting Friday, December 18.

But the crackdown on inter-county travel will come into play again on January 6.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved and will give guidance to allow three households to mix beginning Friday, December 18.

But the government is expected to advise people to stay away from their relatives inside and outside when they meet at Christmas.

As the Irish Mirror reported last night, NPHET sources said hugs should be avoided at all costs.

Now the government will advise people to avoid hugging and shaking hands and to wear a mask while cooking and serving dinner to guests and family members.

On his way to cabinet earlier, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said that people need to “exercise common sense” and that people should not have crowds at home and go to a busy restaurant another night.

He said, “I trust the people of this country who have worked so hard to keep their families safe and I have no doubt that will continue.”