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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Donal MacNamee

Every single change coming into force at midnight tonight as Covid-19 restrictions relax despite Christmas spike

At midnight tonight, Ireland's Covid-19 restrictions will relax ahead of the Christmas period.

The changes – which come even as public health officials warn of a "troubling" spike in case numbers – will spell a number of changes for families around the country.

They're designed to give people some licence to travel home to other counties in order to see loved ones or family members.

And they're due to last until January 6 – though Micheal Martin has already warned that restrictions could be reimposed before then if the situation continues to get worse.

Right now, though, the plan is that from Friday, we'll all be able to travel to other counties – among other changes – for the festive period.

Here's everything you need to know about what'll change from midnight tonight.

Visitors to your home

Until now, household visits were not permitted, except to those within your support bubble. But as of today we'll be able to welcome two other households into our home.

Government and public health chiefs are urging people to be sensible when it comes to this rule, though.

Travel outside your county

This is the biggest change set to come into force today. Under the modified Level Three we've been in for December, intercounty travel has not been allowed – with people still urged to stay home where possible.

Now, though, people will be hopping on trains and in cars and heading for home ahead of Christmas.

Places of worship

There will be no change when it comes to restrictions on places of worship – with a maximum of 50 people allowed to gather for religious ceremonies.

Christmas mass this year will different than any other.

Museums, galleries and cinemas

These all opened on December 1 when restrictions first eased, and they'll be open over Christmas – unless there's some sort of reintroduction of restrictions.

For now, though, your cultural hotspots are open for business.

Restaurants

After opening on December 4, restaurants will stay serving over the Christmas – with many reporting a surge in demand as people get out and about once again.

Book in advance, is our advice.

Gastropubs

Pubs with kitchens have been serving customers – with social distancing and table service, among a number of other safety measures – for most of the month.

This will continue over the Christmas period.

Retail

Much to the relief of traders around the country, non-essential retail was allowed to resume on December 1, and shops can stay open over the Christmas.

Wet pubs

The Temple Bar pub in Temple Bar Dublin during COVID-19 Lockdown. (Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)

Much to the disgust of vintners, 'wet' pubs (those that don't serve food) will remain shut even as restrictions ease tomorrow.

They've been forced to stay closed for all of December even as their food-serving cousins have reopened their doors.

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