Micheál and Leo’s December plans? A haircut, the gym, a meal with friends and days off at home for Christmas

TANNAISTE LEO VARADKAR admitted to suffering from “cabin fever” during the last few weeks under Level 5 restrictions.

Tonight, the Taoiseach announced plans to ease the Covid-19 restrictions in December and over the Christmas period.

Cabinet this afternoon approved advice for reopening the company, including reopening restaurants, retail and restrictions on domestic visitors.

When asked what their plans are and if they would enjoy a restaurant meal for the next several weeks, Varadkar said TheJournal.ie:

“I have to admit that I suffered from cabin fever the last few weeks, so it will have to be the gym, a haircut on Wednesday, and a restaurant on the weekend with some friends I haven’t seen in months, and I really can’t. Wait.

“I hope that people make the most of December and enjoy some of the personal freedoms that we have missed so much. I am delighted that people are going back to work, that businesses are opening, but we must all be safe, and that depends on all of us, “he said.

And the Taoiseach Christmas plans?

“Usually I tend to fall over at Christmas and just try to relax,” said Micheál Martin.

He said he “could very well” eat at a restaurant for the next several weeks, but prefers to be more discreet.

“I actually like lazy days at home at Christmas, to be honest. I enjoy turkey and love desserts the next few days, ”Martin said.

Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said he will also be out for lunch and said: “I am looking forward to it.”

In one of the lighter moments of tonight’s press conference, Varadkar noted that the three men had yet to go to dinner together or enjoy a pint together since they entered the government.

If they break bread together soon, the Taoiseach joked that Ryan might “bring the recyclable plates,” which is just one of the safety tips the government says should be considered if there are people for dinner on Christmas Day this year. .

The Taoiseach announced tonight that the country will move to Level 3 starting December 1, with some modifications.

Next Tuesday, December 1, shops, hairdressers, gyms, libraries, galleries and cinemas will reopen. People will be allowed to use the tennis courts and golf courses, and religious services will also be allowed to resume. Theaters will remain closed, the Taoiseach confirmed at a press conference after his speech.

Since Friday December 4, restaurants and pubs with on-site kitchens will reopen, but with additional restrictions than before. Hotels may also open for diners indoors.

Pubs that only serve alcohol will not be able to reopen before Christmas, but they will be able to serve take out drinks.

Since Friday, December 18, restrictions on home visiting will be removed from the ban on home visiting, to allow two households to visit a third. Inter-county travel will also be allowed from this date, through January 6.

From January 7, the measures implemented before December 18 will be applied, subject to continuous review of the virus’s trajectory.