Covid 19 in Ireland - the reopening plan continues but idle

The announcement was expected with concern: was Ireland going back on the agenda of its lifting plan of the restrictions set up to cope with the coronavirus pandemic against the recent high figures of contamination in the country?

Initially, the government intended to abandon almost all restrictions on October 22, with around 92% of the adult population fully vaccinated.However, Ireland is now struggling with a new propagation of the virus.

A slowed reopening plan

During a press conference held rather today, the Taoiseach (Irish PrimeMinister)MicheálMartin finally provided an answer: there will be no turning back, on the contrary many restrictions will be well lifted this FridayOctober 22.However, some will remain in place.

The Irish government has indeed decided to further soften the restrictions linked to the pandemic, although it maintains more rules than provided in the midst of an increase in cases and hospitalizations.

For example, bars and restaurants will be allowed to resume their normal opening hours, but they will always be limited to table service only and customers will have to present the sanitary pass.

The other changes of Friday October 22

Following public health councils, the government has agreed that the remaining aspects of the hotel, entertainment and night economy can only reopen with all the protection measures in place and implementationbroad and robust of the EU Covid digital certificate.(Save or Covid-19 sanitary pass).

"The progress we have made in last year is real, tangible and must be protected."said TaoiseachMicheálMartin.

Taoiseach has thus confirmed all the restrictions that should be relaxed from this Friday October 22 and, perhaps more important, the restrictions that will remain in place:

• Night boxes can reopen, with restrictions.M.Martin a déclaré qu'il y aurait des conseils spécifiques au secteur concernant le port du masque, la distanciation sociale et les mesures de ventilation "le cas échéant"• La danse sera autorisée dans les boîtes de nuit tout en maintenant une distance sociale dans la mesure du possible.• Indoor entertainment events such as concerts, plays and sport must remain fully seated, although spectators are allowed to stand up on the location of their headquarters.The health pass will be required.• For the hospitality sector, only the table service will remain authorized, with a maximum of 10 adults per table (15 people with children).All customers will have to present the sanitary pass in order to be authorized the entry.• The sanitary pass will not be required for outdoor events.However, sectors are asked to ensure that effective and appropriate measures are in place.• The fixed capacity will no longer apply to interior and external activities, although protective measures must be implemented.Interior events will have to be limited by group of 6 if the public consists of vaccinated and non-vaccinated people.• Religious services and marriages can take place as planned without limitation of capacity.As with the above, protective measures must be respected.• The same goes for the return to the workplace, which should continue on a "progressive and prudent" basis according to the specific needs of companies.• COVID digital certificates or sanitary assists will remain in place until spring 2022.

You can find all the measures on the government's website