A decision on delaying the July 5 reopening could be made as early as Tuesday after NPHET announced it will meet on Monday to consider its advice to Government about reopening.
The opening up of the hospitality sector could be delayed for at least two weeks but pub and restaurant owners are frustrated at the impending decision, with one pledging to open up on July 5 regardless.
While the return of indoor hospitality is the most high-profile restriction on the agenda for removal on July 5, it's not the only one with weddings, personal training, the number of visitors allowed to your home and events - both indoor and outdoor - all on the agenda.
However, the prominence of the Delta variant may radically change this original plans.
Regarding the Government's impending decision, the Taoiseach said that many factors will be considered, including whether the green light will be given to administering AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to younger people.
Speaking on RTE’s This Week programme, Micheàl Martin refused to be drawn on whether or not the restaurants and bars will open next Monday as planned.
“There’s a series of meetings to be held yet. I will be talking to the party leaders later this evening as well. Let’s take it in sequence now — but it will be a decision that will be taken early in the week.”
He said: “I understand how difficult and devastating the year has been to hospitality; we get that, we understand that. And we also understand the need to give notice.”
On that note, the following restrictions are all set to lift on July 5. However, Nphet and the Government might be changing this.
Restrictions set to lift from July 5
Visitors to your home - You can have visitors from up to 3 other households inside your home.
Weddings- 50 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception.
Other religious ceremonies - First communions, confirmations and baptisms may take place. Related family gatherings should strictly adhere to prevailing public health advice on household mixing, including visitors to your home and indoor and outdoor dining.
Any decision to schedule such ceremonies should take account of the disease situation in the local community
Organised indoor events- Maximum of 50 attendees at the majority of venues. A maximum of 100 can attend events in larger venues with strict public health measures in place.
Organised outdoor events- Maximum of 200 attendees for the majority of venues. Maximum of 500 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.
Personal fitness- Indoor training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6.
Bars and restaurants- Indoor services can resume.
Restrictions scheduled to lift on July 19
Yet again, the following measures are all subject to the public health situation at the time and they may change later this week.
International travel - Current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel. Depending on the prevailing public health situation at the time, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.
The measures that are under consideration for August
Indoor and outdoor events- Further increases in the numbers permitted.
Weddings- Maximum attendance at wedding receptions and celebrations to increase to 100.
Public transport- To return to full capacity.
