Some of Ireland's leading political figures and public health officials gave a positive update on Covid-19 as the country edges closer to the return of normal life.
Some major changes are coming on October 22 under the government's roadmap for reopening.
The majority of restrictions will be scrapped in just over three weeks' time as the nation looks towards the day when all pandemic measures are lifted.
Three major lockdown rules were already eased less than a fortnight ago when organised indoor and outdoor activities and a return to workplaces were all allowed again.
Following this, the Government plans to scrap almost all Covid-19 restrictions by October 22.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar issued an important update in the Dail on Thursday on the lifting of lockdown measures in a few weeks' time.
He reiterated that social distancing will no longer be a legal requirement once the government lifts restrictions on October 22.
People will also be able to order a drink at a bar again from that date, he added.
“On the 22nd of October we are going to remove almost all legal restrictions in this State that were introduced as a consequence of the pandemic," Mr Varadkar stated.
“There will be no social distancing required.
“Hospitality venues will be able to return to the capacity they had pre-pandemic.
“People will be able to order a drink at a bar."
The Tanaiste also said he will raise the issue of some maternity hospitals imposing restrictions on pregnant couples with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly again.
He continued: “And in that context it is hard to justify the continuing restrictions on partners attending visits with their pregnant partners.”
“I share the frustration, we as a Government don’t want to overrule or take away the autonomy of doctors and nurses at local level in a hospital, making decisions they have to make particularly if there’s an outbreak or a cluster.
“But that really should be exceptional and it seems to be more than exceptional at this stage."
It comes as Dr Tony Holohan hailed the nation's efforts in reducing the spread of the virus as "extraordinary".
In an update on the vaccination uptake, he said almost 91% of the population aged 16 and over have now been fully jabbed.
The top doctor described the public's response to the programme as "heartening" and encouraged people to continue availing of the inoculation.
He added that people should avail of the vaccine as soon as possible.
"As more of the activities we enjoy become available to us this week, it is important that we continue this national effort to break the chains of transmission of Covid-19," the CMO added.
"Vaccination remains our best means of protection and, if vaccination is available to you, then I strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
"Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces."
