Government announces some restrictions set to be lifted on Friday

The Government has announced its revised reopening plan with measures announced today set to stay in place until next February.

Announcing the easing of some restrictions, which come into effect from this Friday, the Taoiseach said the ‘key point’ NPHET is making is that protective measures include masks, hygiene and social distancing where appropriate in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Under the revised plan, normal trading hours in pubs, restaurants, and wider hospitality will resume and nightclubs are set to reopen, with restrictions.

All of this will happen alongside the “full range of protective measures” and the “wide and robust implementation of the Covid-19 pass.”

In a statement following a Cabinet meeting this morning, the Government said specific rules will be developed for the operation of nightclubs which were likely to “involve Covid-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing”.

Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with protective measures and a return to full capacity at sports stadiums has been included under the measures agreed.

At a briefing at Government Buildings the Taoiseach said that the progress made over the course of the last year is “real and tangible and has to be protected.”

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