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The Government has announced a relief from Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas, after six weeks at Level 5, the highest level in the framework to deal with the virus.
Speaking near the end of an uncertain month for many, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the new measures, which will begin to take effect from Tuesday, December 1.
Before Christmas week, new exemptions will be introduced to allow people to “have a meaningful Christmas, though different from other years.”
So what will the new measures mean and when will they go into effect?
December 1st
Starting Tuesday, the entire country will move to Level 3 in the Covid-19 plan, “with some modifications,” the Taoiseach said.
People are told to continue to stay within their county, other than for work, education or other essential purposes.
Where possible, people should continue working from home.
Households should not mix with other households outside of their bubble until Christmas week.
There is updated guidance on face masks, and people should now wear them outdoors on busy streets, inside crowded workplaces, and in places of worship.
Not essensial retail and services you will be allowed to resume.
Places of worship will reopen, as well as museums, galleries, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools.
Meetings of 15 people can take place in the open air, and Outdoor non-contact training is allowed in groups of 15.
Continue Exercise: Resumption of indoor dance or exercise classes will not be allowed, and indoor exercise is limited to only individual training.
Hotels and guest houses can reopen, with services limited to residents only.
As is already the case now, wedding with up to 25 guests will be allowed, as will funeral with up to 25 mourners.
No games or events may be held, except for elite and professional sports, GAA-approved inter-county games, horse racing, and approved equestrian events, and all of these must take place behind closed doors.
Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%.
December 4th
Next Friday, restaurants, hotels and gastropubs (with their own kitchen and meals prepared on site) can reopen for dinner inside with additional restrictions.
The ‘wet pubs’ will not reopen, Micheál Martin said, adding that additional supports will be introduced beyond what is currently in place to help pub owners in the new year. Pubs can continue to make takeout or home delivery.
A government statement said: “Additional seasonal support will be provided through CRSS to qualifying businesses and will remain closed due to public health restrictions introduced by the government to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“This is in recognition of the additional financial impact on those businesses of closing on Christmas, which for many would be a particularly busy business period.”
Higher education must stay online during this period, says the Government.
Dec. 18
The government has set December 18 as the date to begin the two-week Christmas exception to the rules.
From this date until January 6, travel outside your county will be allowed, allowing people to go home for Christmas.
Also, up to three homes You will be allowed to meet indoors during this period.
Measures regarding cross-border travel between north and south it will be the same as for traveling between any other county.
Thus, as of December 18, travel between the two will be allowed.
After January 6, Level 3 measures that were in effect prior to December 18 will apply. again in effect, subject to the most up-to-date statistics on the trajectory of the virus.
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