Ireland was left reeling after Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed on Friday that the country would be rolling back on Covid restrictions that had been lifted in October.
He told an address to the nation that restrictions are being tightened again for the Christmas season - and although there is an end date in their new plans, it is not until January 2022.
He called on the country to “pull together as a nation again” to get through what he acknowledged is now a fourth wave of Covid.
The night-time economy is taking the biggest hit as part of the Government’s desperate battle to keep the mutant variant Omicron from taking hold.
The rules for hospitality are returning to the more limited ones that were in place before October 22.
You can also only have visitors from three other households in your home, but the Taoiseach said there is room for “flexibility” on the new limit, which indicates that you could have exceptions for Christmas dinners.
However on Saturday Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said that Ireland’s Covid “plan is working” as the number of people in hospital fell below 500 for the first time in over a month.
Sharing a screenshot of the latest figures, which showed 487 confirmed coronavirus cases in hospitals, the Fine Gael leader tweeted: “Number of people in hospital falls below 500 for first time since October.
“Plan is working - 3rd doses, masks, test & isolate, physical distancing.
“Thank you for what you are doing. Please don’t lose heart.
“Let’s all have a safe Christmas #protectourprogress.”
And currently the government is advising that the new restrictions on hospitality, household visits and events will end on January 9.
However it should be noted that this will depend on the Covid situation in the country at the time, and could be extended.
Here is a full breakdown the new restrictions:
New restrictions at a glance
HOSPITALITY
Nightclubs and late bars will have to shut again just three weeks after they opened.
Table service only is back for pubs, bars, restaurants
Only six people are allowed per table
Parties are out as multiple bookings will not be permitted
There must be a one metre gap between tables
EVENTS
A maximum of 50% of capacity at indoor events
Events must be fully seated
Masks should be worn - except when eating and drinking.
COVID PASSES
Covid passes will now be required for gyms and leisure centres.
HOME VISITS
A maximum of three other households are allowed visit your home at any one time
