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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Michelle Cullen

The Christmas dinner Covid rules this year and how many family members you can invite

Christmas is just around the corner, with families across the country getting in the big food shop and inviting relatives to dinner.

But just how many people are you permitted to have to your home this Christmas following the new restrictions introduced this week?

Well, Christmas dinner will be a little smaller than pre-pandemic times this year, with some restrictions in place around household visits.

At the moment, people are permitted to meet in a private home if there are no more than four separate households, including your own.

This means it is possible to invite three other families to your home this Christmas.

Christmas dinner (gettyimages.ie)

If you are planning on heading to your local pub or restaurant for some Christmas Eve drinks, a maximum of six people over 18 will be allowed per table, and multiple table bookings will not be permitted.

It will be table service only, so no standing at the bar and one-metre distance must be kept between tables.

You must wear a face-covering when not at your table, and if staying in a hotel, you will need proof of immunity to access bars and restaurants.

Christmas markets will go ahead as organised outdoor events have no limits on numbers.

You do not need a vaccination or recovery certificate for outdoor events, but other protective measures should be in place.

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However, organised indoor events and activities are limited to 50% of a venue's total capacity, and you must show proof of immunity to attend.

Events must be fully seated, and face coverings must be worn except when eating or drinking.

Accompanied children do not need to show proof of immunity.

Weddings can continue with no limits on numbers.

Nightclubs will remain closed until January 9th, so there will be no big Stephens Day nights out or even New Year.

If you're planning on burring away those Christmas calories, you will need to have proof of immunity go to a gym or leisure centre.

You do not need one to access a swimming pool in a gym or leisure, or to go to a standalone swimming pool.

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