National Bus and Rail Union

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COVID-19 restrictions lifted

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With the peak of Omicron seemingly over and hospitalisation figures being relatively stable, the Government has decided to ease the restrictions in an attempt to move into a new phase of dealing with the virus.

There are currently 892 people in hospital with Covid-19 which is down 128 compared to last week and 55 people currently in ICU.

As Micheál Martin is addressing the nation this evening, here is what restrictions are being eased by Government.

Hospitality and venues

The biggest change is scrapping the 8pm closing time for hospitality which means bars, pubs and restaurants can stay open late once again.

The Government has also dropped the requirement for people to show a Covid-19 certificate in order to eat or drink inside.

While many in the hospitality industry has called on the restrictions to be eased by tonight, the Taoiseach said they will be brought in from tomorrow.

Nightclubs will also be given the green light to reopen, but that will happen at a later date.

Household gatherings

There is no longer any restrictions on the number of households who can meet up. The previous advice meant only four households were allowed meet.

The Irish Prison Service also say they will be able to book a visit as normal from Monday. However some restrictions will continue at facilities where there is a Covid outbreak.

There are currently outbreaks in Mountjoy, Midlands, Cork, Limerick and Cloverhill prisons. The IPS say not all areas within these prisons are affected though.

Events

All capacity limits are likely to end, ending the 50 per cent capacity limit brought in before Christmas. The 100 guest limit for weddings will also be eased, and the midnight curfew will no longer apply to receptions.

The limits on sporting events will also be removed as well.

International travel

While Covid certs are no longer be required for indoor dining, and possibly for gyms, leisure centres, cinemas and theatres, the pass will remain for international travel.

For those who are unvaccinated or have not recently recovered from the virus, the option to provide proof of a negative/not detected PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland will remain.

Isolating requirements

One of the few measures to stay in place is the guidance on isolating if you test positive for Covid, if you show symptoms of the virus, or if you are deemed a close contact.

Information on the updated rules for people in each of these three categories can be found on the HSE website.

The two metre social distancing requirement has also been dropped by Government.

Nphet has recommended that face masks should continue to be worn on public transport and in shops.

Earlier this week, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said specific guidance for schools and workplaces will be issued following the announcement of the updated measures.