Ireland’s next easing in restrictions will be seen from October 22, when a major change will come into play for pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs as Ireland bids farewell to the main Covid restrictions.
Things like physical distancing, mask-wearing - both outdoors and in indoor private settings - will be gone, as well as the need to show your vaccination cert or testing results in pubs and restaurants across the country.
There will also be no limit on the number of people allowed to gather for indoor and outdoor events and activities, while restrictions for nightclubs will also be lifted for the first time since 2020.
Another major change that the public can look forward to is the potential for pubs and bars to remain open until 6 am.
Arts Minister Catherine Martin said she was in favour of the change in closing times and said the option for businesses across the country “should definitely be there”.
“It can be done, it can be done in a safe way and I think that option definitely should be there,” she said.
“As I’ve said, it’s breathing new life in and new opportunities for this sector.”
From October 22, the final restrictions that will be lifted are:
- requirements for physical distancing
- requirements for mask-wearing outdoors and in indoor private settings
- limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities
- restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies
- limits on numbers that can meet in private homes/gardens
- certification of vaccination, immunity, or testing as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events (with exception of international travel)
- restrictions on high-risk activities (nightclubs for example)
While these measures will be removed in just a few weeks, there are two that will remain in place beyond the October easing, which is the need to self-isolate if you have symptoms - whether you are vaccinated or not - and masks will remain mandatory in healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport.
