Next Friday, Ireland will welcome a long-awaited move towards normal life, with the exception of a few restrictions which will remain in place.
Government officials and experts have been issuing warnings ahead of the reopening as infection rates among the community remain high - however, plans remain in motion for October 22.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin remained cautious this afternoon when speaking about the current trajectory of the virus and said that data shows the pandemic “has not gone away”.
Speaking earlier, he hinted that areas of the full reopening may be delayed with the current direction things are going in.
Senior government officials were reportedly warned on Wednesday about a drop in complacency and an increase in the R number, which is trending above 1.
Speaking in the Dáil today, Mr Martin said: “Over the course of the last seven days the rate of infection, the number of hospital admissions and the rate of ICU admissions have all increased.
“The pandemic has not gone away and it requires all of us to continue to be careful.”
An Taoiseach will make an announcement after Cabinet meets on October 19 regarding the reopening on October 22.
At this point the plan remains that the following restrictions will ease:
- 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 the exception of international travel)
- restrictions on high-risk activities, e.g. nightclubs
While many measures are lifting, the only two that will remain are the need for self-isolation if you develop Covid symptoms, and the requirement to wear masks in healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport.
