The Government have issued Christmas advice as Covid-19 cases have risen with restrictions set to ease in a weeks time.
Thousands of restaurants, cafes and gastropubs have already reopened their doors and Irish people have been told about the importance of planning ahead.
They are encouraging people to pick who they'll celebrate with, reduce contacts and check with family that they are comfortable with your plans.
The Government and the HSE said it was realistic that Ireland would start its vaccination programme early next month.
Government spokesperson Liz Canavan said today; "As we know, Christmas will be a very different experience this year.
"We can still do many of the Christmas traditions we expect, like attending a religious service, calling into the neighbours or enjoying a Christmas dinner with family and friends but we must do all of these things with COVID in our minds."
They have issued the following advice:
• Decide on the small grouping you will celebrate with.
• Start reducing contacts if you haven’t done so already.
• Make sure everyone in your family is comfortable with the arrangements in place and check in again.
• Remember coming together is about a mutual trust that we have all been taking precautions and avoiding risks.
It comes as gardai have praised the public for complying with public health measures – but have warned us not to take the foot off the pedal.
Three people have been slapped with fines for not wearing masks since new rules came in on Monday and officers have warned these will continue.
New figures released yesterday show that since November 19, there have been 20 alleged breaches of the Health Act 1947, 22 alleged breaches by licensed premises and 21 alleged breaches by retail premises.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security John Twomey said: “These figures show high compliance levels from the public during Level 5. We would like to thank the public for this.”
