Taoiseach Micheal Martin has announced full details of Ireland's plan for exiting Level Five restrictions.
And there's good news for restaurants and retailers, while gastropubs can reopen even though wet pubs will remain closed for December.
The Government has gone for a reopening plan that's far more expansive than the one recommended by public health chiefs.
Here's what the next few weeks will look like for pubs, restaurants, retailers, gyms and more:
- Next Tuesday – Retailers, hairdressers, churches, gyms, museums, galleries and more can reopen
- Next Friday – Gastropubs and restaurants can reopen
- December 18 – People can travel between counties, with the lifting of travel restrictions lasting until January 6.
The Taoiseach told a gripped national audience that he believes the restriction being lifted, can stay lifted, and that the new Level Three will be “sustainable” if the country embraces public health guidelines.
As part of this, from next week, there will be a new emphasis on the importance of masks.
The Government is advising people to wear coverings outdoors in busy areas, as well as indoors, from December 1st, next Tuesday.
He conceded that it would not be like any Christmas we have ever known, but he pledged to reopen the country in time to make it possible for families to celebrate together.
Mr Martin admitted that he was “fed up” like the rest of us and he acknowledged how “mentally exhausting” the last nine months of Covid have been.
