Ireland is likely to be headed for two months' worth of restrictions from Christmas Eve, the Government announced today.
Starting on Thursday, the country will begin the depressing process of moving back into lockdown amid an explosion in case numbers over recent days.
Ireland's shutdown will happen gradually over the next week or so, with the aim of minimising the pain on businesses and households that now have to contend with a biting series of limits on their movement and trading practices.
Today, the Taoiseach said he could not rule out a return to Level Five restrictions even after the new lockdown ends.
The Tanaiste, meanwhile, warned that we're likely to be in lockdown for the first two months of 2021, telling members of the media that the spread of Covid-19 is unlikely to be curbed enough by January 12th for any relaxing of restrictions.
Here are all the dates and times you need to know about when it comes to Level "Five-minus."
December 24/Christmas Eve
- Restaurants and pubs will have to shut their doors at 3pm, after which they can operate only as takeaways
- A maximum of two other households can visit your home
- Intercounty travel can still take place
- Religious services can allow up to 50 people until Christmas Day
- Hotels can serve food to non-guests until 3pm
December 27
- Home visits are now restricted to just one other household
- Intercounty travel is only allowed if you're travelling home to your own county after Christmas
- Cafes and restaurants can only operate as takeaways
- In-person religious services can no longer take place, with worship moved online
- Non-essential retailers can still open, but January sales aren't being allowed
December 31/New Year's Eve
- Travel ban from UK lasts until this date
January 1/New Year's Day
- Household visits are banned from this date
- Intercounty travel is now fully banned
- Wedding numbers are now slashed from 25 guests to a maximum of just 6
