A roadmap for the gradual reopening of Irish society in the weeks and months ahead has been made clear by Taoiseach Micheal Martin this evening.
Speculation about what lockdown measures will be eased for the summer reached a fever pitch today, with early reports indicating that today's announcement will bring the most positive news from Government in a long time.
It follows a Cabinet sub-committee meeting last night in which rather optimistic recommendations were issued by NPHET.
May 10 has been determined as a key date for the resumption of many services and activities.
From that date, which is only ten days away, Inter-county travel will return, as will personal services and click and collect for retail.
More leniency about people meeting in gardens and crowds at funerals and weddings is on the cards.
There will also be a full return for the construction sector and the reopening of some museums and art galleries on that date.
Here's are all the rule changes that you need to know for May and June:
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The following changes are set to come into effect from May 10:
- Inter-county travel returns
- Sports training for adults returns
- Hairdressers/barbers/beauticians are back
Three households or six people can meet outdoors or in a back garden
- Click and collect shopping resumes
Vaccinated households can meet with another household indoors
Libraries, museums, and galleries are back
- 50 people allowed at funerals and wedding services, but only 6 can come to the afters of the wedding indoors, or 15 outdoors
On May 17:
- The mass reopening of non-essential retail
On June 2:
- Hotels will be allowed to reopen, with the bonus for guests able to eat meals like their breakfast inside
On June 7:
- All pubs and restaurants allowed to open again to serve, but only outdoors initially
- Gyms and swimming pools will reopen
Any household can visit one other
Amateur sports matches are back on
Guests at wedding receptions up to 25
Cinemas and theatres to reopen
