The Taoiseach is set to address the country this evening where he will announce a roadmap for ending all Covid-19 restrictions.
The Cabinet is meeting at 1pm on Tuesday to finalise the master-plan, before Micheal Martin makes a full announcement at around 6pm.
At present, the majority of restrictions are set to be lifted by October 22, with some of them to be relieved earlier.
A general overview
Masks will continue to be worn in certain settings.
September 6 is looking like it will be the starting date for the new roadmap.
On that date, the following are likely:
- Live music at weddings.
- Communions and Confirmations.
- Increased crowds at live events indoors/outdoors.
- Sports crowds increase
The next changes that are set to be introduced will be on September 20, and these include:
- Phased return back to the workplace.
- Extra-curricular, after school activities like drama and dance.
Live events are set to return on September 6, with indoor events operating at 60% of the venue's capacity for fully-vaccinated people.
For outdoor events, 75% of the venue's capacity is allowed for fully vaccinated people.
There's also a trial nightclub event being proposed as a possibility in September, while indoor sports and bowling are due to return on September 20.
What's been said about live music?
At present, September 6 is the rumoured day for the sector reopening.
A Government source told the Irish Mirror that live indoor events can take place with 60% of a venue’s capacity for fully vaccinated people.
Outdoor events will also see up to 75% capacity permitted for people who are fully jabbed.
A mixture of vaccinated and unvaccinated events will also be permitted, though capacity is likely to be reduced.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin is planning to run a pilot nightclub event at the end of September - which the Irish Mirror revealed would be in the Button Factory.
What about religious ceremonies?
Another restriction that's set to lift on September 6 is religious ceremonies like Holy Communions and Confirmations.
A senior Government source said there will be a relaxation of restrictions on large events, indoor seated events and outdoor events on September 6.
When will workers return to the office?
On September 20, the work culture in Ireland will change because people will begin returning to offices.
Minister Michael McGrath said: "What you will see is a move away in a gradual sense from a rules and regulations based system to one that does place an emphasis on personal responsibility and on living alongside this virus in a cautious way."
What about indoor events?
After school activities like drama and dance classes are also expected to return on September 20 as well as activities such as bowling, bingo halls, basketball and other indoor sports.
Minister McGrath said: "A lot of children who don’t play field sports who might have lost out on dance classes, on gymnastics, on other activities and indoor sports and we’d like to see them getting back as quickly as possible.”
What's the end date?
The Irish Mirror understands mid to late October will see the “removal of most other restrictions and the Government will move to a model of personal responsibility.”
It’s understood nightclubs will be one of the last sectors to reopen and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin is planning to run a pilot nightclub event at the end of September.
While October 22 is to mark the lifting of all restrictions subject to the 90% vaccination target being reached and the incidence of the virus remaining stable or falling, according to a Government source.
Guidance on mask-wearing and on large outdoor gatherings will likely be advised after this date.
