These are the changes that will be implemented next Tuesday and throughout December

THE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED last night that Ireland will return to Level 3 as of Tuesday December 1, with some modifications.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that shops, restaurants, gyms and some pubs will reopen next week, and that his advice is that home visits will be allowed at Christmas.

In a nationwide speech last night, Martin announced the Covid-19 restrictions that will replace Level 5, which has been in effect since October 22.

He said there had been a “massive national effort” to roll back the disease and that individuals and companies had made many sacrifices.

Martin said he knows that people are “fed up” and understands that sentiment by outlining the different stages and dates for the reopening of the partnership.

Starting 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.

For religious services, the limit on the number of faithful under Level 3 has not changed: 50 people at mass, 25 people at funerals and weddings.

From Friday December 4, restaurants and pubs with on-site cuisine will reopen, but with more 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.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar clarified last night that the limit of one hour and 45 minutes for dinner only applies if the tables are less than two meters apart. He also said that the substantial € 9 meal at gastropubs will remain in place.

Individuals must remain within their county apart from work, education, and other essential purposes during this time until December 18.

People should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person, the government has said.

For more information on restrictions in effect during Tier 3, see here.

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

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

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar advised people to avoid returning home for Christmas from abroad, but all rules on movement restrictions should be followed if travel is necessary for family reasons.

In addition, the government has warned that people wear masks or covers on “busy streets” and in other settings.

The Taoiseach said the government’s guidance on wearing masks has had “an incredibly positive impact” and is expanding.

“The government is also updating its guide on masks. In July, we introduced a guide to wearing masks indoors. And this has had an incredibly positive impact, ”he said.

We are now adding to that guide, and starting December 1, people will also be asked to wear their masks outdoors on busy streets, in enclosed workplaces, and in places of worship.