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Ireland has been hit by a surge in new coronavirus cases in recent days as Christmas approaches.
Some new restrictions will go into effect in the coming weeks as government officials aim to once again suppress the spread of the virus.
It will be a Christmas like no other, as pubs and shops will be forced to operate very differently.
The guidelines are also strict on home visits.
Here is everything you need to know:
Home visities
One of the most important parts of any Christmas is visiting family and friends, but amid the pandemic, health experts are asking people to be careful.
(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Current guidelines state that as of December 18 you can mix with up to two other households in your home. However, it is understood that this could be reduced to just another household starting next week.
In outdoor settings away from your home or garden, a maximum of three households can meet while maintaining a strict physical distance.
However, on Sunday, the medical director issued an additional warning to young people who have been socializing in recent days, asking them to reconsider their Christmas plans.
He said: “If you’ve been socializing in the last few weeks or this weekend, consider your Christmas plans carefully. Are you responsible for reuniting with your family over 65 later this week, if you haven’t kept your contacts low? cancel your plans? We have the very real prospect of COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon. Make sure your loved ones stay alive to receive them, staying away from them if you have not restricted their movements to this point. As difficult as it may sound Staying away from the older family this Christmas will protect them, and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good. “
Pubs
One of the most controversial rules has been the opening of pubs and restaurants.
Currently, only gastronomic bars and restaurants can open their doors, and wet pubs remain closed.
This is set to change, however, as food-serving pubs and restaurants across the country will close as of December 31.
Well-placed sources have told the Irish Mirror that government leaders have decided this ahead of the formal Cabinet meeting next Tuesday.
As a result of the spiraling case numbers, it is understood that the last food and drink will be allowed to be served in pubs and restaurants until the close of business on December 30, but will then close their doors when we re-enter a new Lockdown. level 3.
The hotels will be allowed to continue operating.
Trip
Travel restrictions within Ireland have been removed and you can visit any other county until at least January 6.
However, there is currently a 48-hour ban on anyone coming to Ireland from Great Britain.
Purchases
Non-essential retail reopened on Dec. 1 after a six-week level five lockdown.
And even if Ireland sees more Level Three restrictions in January, it is understood that the Government will try to keep non-essential stores like Penneys and Smyths open whenever possible.
Here is a complete list of the guidelines that are currently in effect:
Measures in force since December 18
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
It can be mixed with a maximum of 2 other households.
Other environments outside your home or garden
In outdoor settings away from your home or garden, a maximum of 3 households can meet while maintaining a strict physical distance.
Face coverings are recommended in busy or crowded areas.
Wedding
Weddings can continue, but with a limit of 25 guests for the ceremony and reception (regardless of location).
Organized indoor meetings
These are controlled environments with a designated event organizer, owner, or manager.
For example: business, training events, conferences, theater and cinema events, or other artistic events (excluding sport).
Organized meetings should not take place indoors.
Exception:
Movie theaters can open with protective measures in place.
Meetings organized outdoors
These are controlled environments with a designated event organizer, owner, or manager. For example: outdoor arts events, training events.
Meetings of up to 15 people can be held.
Face coverings are recommended in busy or crowded areas.
sports
Training
Outdoors: Non-contact training only in groups of up to 15 (ex: golf, tennis, horse riding, hunting, Gaelic games, soccer, outdoor basketball).
There is an exemption for professional and elite sports and gaelic games between approved counties.
Indoor: individual training only. There are no exercise or dance classes (ex: ballet, gymnastics, basketball, racketball, squash, zumba, theater).
Matches and events
Matches or other sporting events should not be held, with the following exceptions:
- professional and elite sports
- Gaelic games between counties approved
- horse racing and greyhound racing
- approved equestrian events
- approved race events
All of these must take place behind closed doors.
Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools
Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools may be open for individual use only, with protective measures in place.
This does not include other leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, billiards rooms and games rooms. These places must remain closed.
Religious services
Places of worship may open for services with a maximum of 50 people.
Face covers are recommended.
More guidance is available.
Funeral
Up to 25 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
Museums and galleries may open with protective measures in place.
Libraries are available for browsing, electronic services, and calling and charging. There are no seats or events.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Restaurants and pubs that operate as eateries (serving a substantial meal) may open for indoor dining with additional restrictions, including a requirement that meals be prepared on-site, within the premises, with a maximum of 6 people per table. Live entertainment, live music, or loud music should not be performed in accordance with current restrictions and public health advice.
This includes non-resident access to hotel restaurants.
See Fáilte Ireland’s guidelines for reopening restaurants and cafes.
Damp pubs
Delivery and takeout services only.
Discos, discos and casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses and B & Bs can be opened, but with limited services to residents.
Hotel restaurants may open to non-residents.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face covers must be worn.
They can open all stores and shopping centers. All services such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers and opticians can be opened in strict accordance with the sectoral guidelines on protection measures.
There is a specific guide available for:
Job
Work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.
Face coverings are recommended in busy workplaces.
National trips
You can travel anywhere in Ireland.
Schools, early education and child care services, adult and higher education
Schools and nurseries are open with protective measures.
In addition, adult and higher education must remain primarily online.
Outdoor Playgrounds, Play Areas, and Parks
All remain open with protective measures in place.
Face coverings are recommended in busy or crowded areas.
Transport
Face covers must be worn.
Walk or bike when possible.
Public transport capacity limited to 50%.
Essential workers and essential purposes only.
Those over 70 and the medically vulnerable
People over the age of 70 and medically vulnerable people are advised to continue to exercise personal judgment.
It is recommended that they stay home as much as possible, limiting participation to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically apart.
When exercising outdoors, it is important to keep a distance of 2 meters from others and wash your hands when you return home.
It is recommended to shop only during designated hours, while covering your face and avoiding public transportation.
Long-term residential care facilities (nursing homes and nursing homes)
New HPSC Guide to Nursing Home Visiting Effective December 7, 2020
This new guide describes an updated definition of ‘critical and compassionate circumstances’, which now states that, subject to risk assessment in each case, nursing home residents can receive:
- up to one visit of one person per week on levels 3 and 4 of the framework
- up to one visit from one person every two weeks at level 5
It also notes that every practical effort should be made to accommodate an additional visit for compassionate reasons during the period of a major cultural or religious festival or celebration of special importance to the resident, such as the Christmas / New Years period.
Read the updated guide from HPSC.
Face coverings
You should wear a face cover in crowded workplaces, places of worship, and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is a large congregation.
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