A minor easing in restrictions will come this Thursday as Irish weddings receive a highly-anticipated boost on guest numbers and baptism ceremonies return.
From August 5, the number of people allowed to attend a wedding will jump from 50 to 100 after many complaints around the existing cap.
There was widespread concern that if wedding measures were eased, that the Delta variant would have the opportunity to spread more rapidly in Ireland.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had also warned couples to plan for their weddings in August on the basis of 50 people being allowed to attend.
But it seems as our vaccination programme flies ahead of schedule, with over 70% of the adult population fully protected against the severe side effects of Covid, this slight easing has been made possible.
As well as this, Thursday’s easing will see baptism services return, however, they must follow all protective measures and social gatherings afterwards should still be avoided.
As we edge closer to normality, a number of restrictions remain active in Ireland:
- Organised indoor events like large conferences, concerts and shows are currently not permitted
- Attractions like circuses, play centres, amusement arcades, bingo halls, leisure facilities all have to remain closed right now
- Nightclubs, discos and casinos all remain shut
- Most employees continue to ‘work from home,' with a phased return to the office expected some time in September
NPHET are due to meet this week in line with rising hospitalisations and will likely issue guidance to be considered by the government in line with our continued reopening.
