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WITH Taoiseach Micheál Martin set to make a formal announcement later tonight, the Level 5 restrictions will begin to lift starting next Tuesday, December 1st.
The restrictions will be eased in three phases: the first phase will begin on Tuesday, the second will likely be the following week, and the third phase in a period closer to Christmas.
Given that the official government announcement will be made today, here’s everything we know so far …
Restaurants
Despite Nphet’s advice last night to only allow take-out and restaurant delivery over the Christmas period, Independent.ie is reporting today that gourmet restaurants and bars will open sometime between December 4-11.
It is expected that there will be stricter rules on how long people can stay in restaurants.
Earlier this week, it emerged that pubs will only be able to serve food if they have a kitchen and chef on site, in a bid to crack down on pubs serving a substantial € 9 meal so that they can primarily sell alcohol.
What about “wet” pubs? Pubs that only serve alcohol are unlikely to open before Christmas.
Sport
Starting next week, outdoor sports such as golf and tennis are also expected to be allowed.
However, there is bad news for GAA fans who will not be able to watch live sporting events under the new Tier 3 guidelines.
For the first time, the all-Ireland senior hurling and football championship finals will be held behind closed doors.
Religious services
Religious services will also be allowed in the period between December 18 and January 3.
Home visities
After a compromise with Nphet, the government has decided to reopen restaurants and gastropubs and maintain stricter rules on home visits.
These will be allowed from December 18 to January 3. Nphet reported that six people from no more than three households will be able to meet during the two-week period. However, the Government will make a final decision on this recommendation today.
Hairdressers, barbers, gyms
Hair salons, barbers and gyms will reopen starting next Tuesday, and most will operate only for Previous slot reservations.
Cinemas, galleries, museums
… will also reopen on Tuesday.
Travel
The 5 km limit will be lifted from next Tuesday. However, people will be advised to stay in their own county.
Inter-county travel will be allowed from December 18 to January 3 so that people have the opportunity to travel and see their family members at Christmas.
Stores
Non-essential retail will open starting next Tuesday.
Online editors
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