The country is currently in the middle of its second total lockdown.

Former HSE Director General Tony O'Brien has said that the government should consider easing some Level 5 restrictions early. The former director said that the likes of hairdressers and barbers have been among the businesses complying most strictly with new restrictions and social distancing measures, and that they should be permitted to reopen before December. Other businesses however, he said, should remain shut for the agreed six week period. "That wouldn't in my view apply to restaurants and bars," said O'Brien, "and it would not suggest a relaxation in the requirement for us to stay apart and not be in each others homes." This comes in the middle of Ireland's second total lockdown. On October 21 all non-essential businesses closed for a period of six week in an attempt to curb the spread of Covid-19. This included clothing stores, salons, and other retailers that don't sell essential items. Ireland's national 14-day incidence rate now stands at 228 - a 25% drop since its peak back on October 25. 332 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the country yesterday, and five new deaths.