Another 1,703 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Ireland.
As of 8am today, 363 people are in hospital with coronavirus, of which 52 are in ICUs around the country.
It comes as Tanaiste Leo Varadkar gave the green light for a further easing of restrictions next Monday.
In a tweet, Mr Varadkar said: "Vaccination of under 35s really working now. Cases have plateaued / falling. Rise in patients in hospital and ICU showing.
“All ok (sic) for next stage of re-opening on Monday”.
With Ireland’s successful rollout of the vaccine program, which has seen 87.8 per cent of those over 16 now fully vaccinated, the Government is happy to proceed with the further easing of restrictions.
A phased easing of restrictions will take place throughout September, with protective measures in place.
Here is a list of restrictions that will be lifted this month:
From September 6:
· Communions and Confirmations can resume. All religious ceremonies can take place with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of people attending.
· Live music at weddings can resume.
· Organised events can take place for people at 60% capacity indoors and 75% capacity outdoors, where people are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months. Accompanied children under 18 do not need proof of vaccination or recovery.
· If not all attendees are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, there will be no change to current capacity limits for indoor events and capacity for outdoor events will be 50%.
From September 20:
· Up to 100 people can attend indoor group activities (such as dance and sports classes), where everyone has been fully vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months. Otherwise, pods of up to six people are allowed. Accompanied children under 18 do not need proof of immunity.
· Restrictions on outdoor group activities will be removed.
· Attendance at work for specific business needs can resume on a phased basis.
From 22 October, subject to public health advice the remaining restrictions will be lifted. Final restrictions to be lifted include:
- Social distancing
- Limits on numbers attending events, and gatherings in private homes
- Restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies
- Requirement of proof of immunity to access events and activities (not including international travel)
- Restrictions on high-risk activities (for example, nightclubs)
You will not have to wear a face covering, except on public transport, in shops and in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
