As cases continue to rise across the country concerns continue to grow about the Covid situation across the country.
Following the lifting of restrictions for the Christmas period the country has seen a steady increase in cases each day and it's likely the country will see more restrictions reimposed as a result.
On Friday night a further 582 cases were confirmed in what was yet another sizeable jump over the last week.
Speaking on the figures Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said Ireland "simply cannot cope" with the current number of cases being confirmed.
Meanwhile NPHET has recommended that restrictions be introduced for the hospitality sector including, pubs, restaurants and bars a move which Taoiseach Micheal Martin has signalled with likely happen before the new year.
It was originally planned that the restrictions would be reexamined on January 6 however given the spikes its likely that any restrictions will be brought in much sooner.
However as Cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday pubs across the country will remain open this weekend with thousands of punters likely to be booked in for a few drinks especially with the All-Ireland final taking place.
Here's everything you need to know about pubs and restaurants this weekend:
Under current Covid rules pubs that serve food from a kitchen prepared on site are allowed to open and serve customer.
Patrons are required to order a 'substantial meal' while table service is also mandatory.
Pubs and restaurants must also ensure social distancing is practiced with limits on capacity for indoor dining.
Tables are also limited to six people per table while some may impose a time limit as to how long you can spend on the premises, typically an hour and 15 minutes.
In terms of guidelines its recommended that people avoided crowded indoor spaces for long lengths of time.
Wet pubs are permitted to sell pints on a takeaway basis.
Rules around retail
As of right now non-essential retailers are still permitted to open.
Shopping centres are all also permitted to open. All customers are required to wear face mask or covering while shopping.
Stores are also encouraged to stagger opening times while retailers such as Penneys have extended opening hours to 24 hours in order to avoid large crowds flocking.
Shoppers are also encouraged to continue to use online shopping where possible as well as click and collect services or avoid peak shopping times to avoid crowds.
