While the government is keeping quiet on exact details of the next easing of restrictions, it’s understood we can expect a full roadmap to normality published next week.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today confirmed that the general plan is for all restrictions to be lifted this side of Christmas, but the format of how that will happen remains unknown to the public.
While schools, colleges, and universities get ready for a return to in-person learning, many workers are enquiring about a return to the office.
For the past 18 months, many employees in Ireland have been working from home amid the pandemic but as vaccination levels approach 90%, many are awaiting a return to their place of work.
The current advice - which has been in place since March 2020 - states that all workers should remain at home unless it’s necessary for them to be in attendance for their job.
While there has been no update in recent weeks around a timeline for the reopening of workplaces, September has time and time again been named as the likely start date for a phased plan of action.
Among the officials suggesting the potential return in the autumn was Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, who said that he expected people to be back on a "gradual and safe" basis before October because it’s important for the mental health of the nation.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar also backed the idea and at one point even suggested that they could be open for business by the end of August - which isn’t going ahead at this point.
Although there have been no solid clues around the topic so far, Taoiseach Micheal Martin is due to make an announcement at some point after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 31 to confirm the in-depth roadmap, covering all sectors for a full return to normal over the coming months.
The roadmap will therefore also look at measures for the live entertainment sector and plan for the next stage of the pandemic from September and through to Christmas.
