The measures announced will remain until February 2022:
- Resumption of normal trading hours in pubs, restaurants, and wider hospitality.
- Nightclubs will reopen but with restrictions – must wear mask when not eating, drinking or dancing - “What traditionally happens in a nightclub will happen in a nightclub” - Taoiseach.
- Vaccine passes will still be needed to access hospitality.
- Table service only to remain in place, with 10 adults per table.
- Fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events, nor for indoor or outdoor group activities.
- Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place.
- Antigen tests to be sent to fully vaccinated close contacts of confirmed cases.
- Government to encourage people attending events with groups or crowds to start self-testing using antigen tests.
- Gigs that have already sold out will be allowed to go ahead – except no dancing unless at your seat.
- Full return to workplace won't take place until the Spring - remains on a "phased and cautious basis".
- Other changes include:
- Vaccine booster programme for those over 60 to commence immediately.
- More work need to be done to examine giving Covid passports based on a negative antigen test, for people who can't get a vaccine for medical reasons
- Where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply.
- Government is looking into offering voluntary antigen tests for self testing, to people who plan to engage in high-risk events and activities; "such as going to nightclubs."
- In relation to travel - the mandatory hotel quarantine system is no longer considered necessary and will be wound down, while mandatory home quarantine requirements are to be removed.
- For individuals arriving in Ireland who do not have a PCR test on arrival (unless exempt through vaccination, recovery etc.) they will be required to take a test within 36 hours of arrival and present evidence to An Garda Síochána.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said there “are going to be anomalies and contractions” as the Government continues to ease Covid restrictions.
He says the “easy thing to do” would be to simply open everything or close everything, however the Government was attempting to open as much as possible in a safe way.
