A number of restrictions on office work, indoor and outdoor activities ease today.
Today, Monday 20 September, will see a number of Covid-19 restrictions ease as Ireland continues with its road to reopening.
Indoor activities have been given the go-ahead to resume. In groups where all members are immune – either fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months – 100 people can attend. In groups with mixed immunity status, activities can take place in pods of six, excluding the teacher. Multiple pods are permitted if protective measures are used.
Additionally, all remaining restrictions on outdoor activities have been lifted.
Today also sees the start of the government’s “phased and staggered” return to office work for “specific business requirements”.
While restrictions on numbers attending weddings remain at 100 guests, live music is now permitted, while religious ceremonies can take place at 50% capacity.
In terms of cultural institutions, galleries and museums can open with protective measures in place, and cinemas can now facilitate 60% capacity if all the patrons are fully vaccinated.
Yesterday, Leo Varadkar wished employers and workers luck as they prepared to return to the office, as well as teachers and instructors who adapted to different modes of learning over the past year.
He said: “Tomorrow is a big day for thousands of businesses who are opening their doors for the first time since the pandemic and thousands of more people getting back to work.
“It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months for those running indoor activities. Business owners have had to make huge changes to their business, from moving outdoors to moving online.
“Your efforts to date have doubtless saved lives.”
The next milestone in Ireland’s reopening plan is 22 October. If the virus remains under control, the majority of restrictions will be lifted on that date, including restrictions on nightclubs. Additionally, 22 October will see the limits on indoor and outdoor activities being removed. However, masks will still be required in healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport. Those who experience symptoms of Covid-19 will still be required to self-isolate.
