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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cormac O'Shea & David Kent

Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirms new reopening plan as nightclubs, normal pub hours and more back


The Taoiseach has announced Ireland's new reopening plan with nightclubs back and a return to normal trading hours for pubs.

While the country won't be ploughing ahead with the full reopening that was planned there is some welcome good news.

Social distancing will remain however, as will table service and the need for Covid certs in all hospitality settings.

Weddings and religious services can proceed without limits.

Here's all you need to know - and follow our live blog here for the latest.

Rules from October 22

Protective measures include:

  • requirement for COVID-19 pass (vaccine or recovery certificate) for indoor hospitality and events
  • social distancing
  • face masks (can be removed for consumption of food or alcohol as appropriate)
  • table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children)
  • collection of contact tracing data
  • for indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing permitted at your seat)
  • specific sectoral guidance will be developed for nightclubs setting out appropriate protective measures. This will involve COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing
  • COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place
  • organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, and where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply. Fixed capacity limits will not apply to these indoor and outdoor group activities
  • religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place
  • return to workplaces will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements

The key things the Government are asking are that people are;

  • acting fast, isolating and getting tested if we have symptoms
  • wearing our face coverings where appropriate
  • making sure that indoor spaces are well ventilated
  • maintaining adequate social distancing whenever appropriate
  • covering our coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean

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