A major easing of Covid-19 restrictions was announced this evening with the end of requirements such as social distancing and capacity limits at indoor and outdoor events.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed the end almost two years of pandemic measures from tomorrow in an address to the nation this evening.
However there are a number of measures that will remain in place until February, including the requirement to wear face masks in a number of settings.
These include:
- Public transport, taxis and at stations, airports and ports
- Retail premises (including shopping centres, libraries, cinemas, theatres, museums, post offices, banks), public offices and at premises providing specified services and businesses (including salons, hairdressers, travel agents, laundries, dry cleaners, bookmakers)
- Customer facing roles in premises where food and drinks are sold for consumption on the premises
While these measures will remain in place, the majority of restrictions are set to be scrapped from 6am on Saturday.
These include:
- Formal requirements for 2 metre physical distancing
- Physical distancing requirements in hospitality (table service, 1 metre between tables, 6 per table)
- Seated only at indoor events
- Pods of 6 for indoor activities
- Covid pass requirement across all domestic venues and activities
- Requirement to maintain contact details
Capacity limits at indoor and outdoor events have also been scrapped, meaning a return to full houses at sporting venues.
In his speech this evening, Mr Martin warned that while the pandemic is not yet over, today was a "good day" for the country.
He said: "The recovery of our society and economy is already underway and we will continue to do what is necessary to support it.
"The Government decided today to continue and extend the provision of a number of key supports, particularly the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.
"And I will continue to work with colleagues at a European and International level to ensure the rapid deployment of vaccines and therapeutics across Africa and the developing world.
"None of us will be fully safe until we are all safe. There is much to do.
"But today is a good day and we should all take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come; to appreciate the effort and sacrifice of those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe; to remember and appreciate the lives and contribution of those we lost."
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