"If you are indoors with others wear a mask, if you are running a business that brings people indoors you must check your customers have a Covid cert and if you have not been vaccinated please make arrangements to get fully vaccinated "
That's the message from the Taoiseach Micheal Martin who was speaking at a press conference where the lifting of Covid restrictions is being unveiled this lunchtime
The Government says the country needs to proceed with caution in relation to the lifting of Covid 19 restrictions and to that end we will see the continued use of covid certs, while social distancing and mask wearing will be maintained into the New Year
Under the new measures -
All businesses can reopen as planned on Friday - subject to restrictions, use of Covid certs and social distancing
Antigen tests to be sent out to close contacts
Religious services and weddings can proceed as planned with no limits
No covid certs will be required for outdoor events.
10 adults will now be allowed at a table when dining indoors, up from 6.
Vaccine passports will not be required for outdoor events and capacity limits on indoor and outdoor events have been lifted.
A booster vaccine campaign for over-60s will start immediately.
Taoiseach Michael Martin says the government had to take account of the relevant public health statistics in making its decision.
"We've seen a worsening of the situation.
"The number of new infections, the number of people requiring hospital admission, and the numbers of patients in ICU have all increased.
"There figures are a cause for concern. They're also a timely reminder about how dangerous this virus remains, and the need for ongoing vigilance as we work to protect the very significant progress that we have made as a nation."
