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Wednesday 27 September 2023 Dublin: 15°C

# easing restrictions

Last year
2022
Varadkar says some restrictions may take longer than others to be lifted
NPHET last night gave the green light for almost all restrictions to be removed.
Taoiseach expects to give 'clear, comprehensive' statement on easing of restrictions tomorrow
NPHET is to meet this afternoon to discuss possible easing of Covid restrictions.
Varadkar wants to set 31 March as a deadline to end almost all legal Covid restrictions
The EU Digital Covid Cert would be still needed for international travel in Europe.
Friday Cabinet meeting 'not out of the question' as Govt optimistic about easing restrictions
There is an optimistic mood in government circles as politicians return to work after the Christmas break.
Senior sources said it’s very possible there will be a Cabinet meeting on Friday amid calls for clarity to be given to businesses before next week.
NPHET will meet on Thursday and will consider easing restrictions on hospitality and working from home.
The mood music is positive among those in government circles, Political Correspondent Christina Finn reports.
Varadkar: Ireland coming to the point where it needs to 'move on' from Covid-19 restrictions
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At a glance: What are the new reopening plans?
Rising Covid case numbers and hospitalisations saw the government take a more cautious approach to the loosening of restrictions.
Government advised that Covid certs, masks and social distancing should remain beyond Friday
Cabinet is set to meet today to discuss which Covid-19 measures can be lifted this Friday.
Ministers have been advised by NPHET that there is some scope to ease remaining Covid-19 restrictions on Friday.
As nightclubs await permission to open doors again the advice has been described by sources as "not straightforward".
Separately NIAC has recommended booster vaccine shots for those over 60.
HSE's Dr Colm Henry: 'We’re heading into a difficult winter, there’s no doubt about that'
Government position 'hasn't changed' despite Ronan Glynn's call for home working 'where possible'
No decision yet on 22 Oct easing, but suggestions Covid Pass system will be extended
The Taoiseach says there is a ‘need for perspective’ but would not be drawn further on re-opening plans.
'If you have symptoms presume it's Covid': NPHET seeks return to the basics as cases rise
Ministers are currently considering whether to delay lifting restrictions on 22 October.
Those who have not been vaccinated are having a “disproportionate” impact on the health service, Dr Ronan Glynn has said.
Cabinet is due to meet next Tuesday to decided on the next phase of re-opening.
The HSE today warned that it is experiencing the strain of increased Covid-19 hospitalisations
'Deeply annoyed and frustrated': Contact tracers write to HSE over pay and conditions
Nightclubs seeking guarantee they'll be at 100% capacity for the big reopening
Offices to reopen and live events to return on 'phased basis' over Sept and Oct
Further discussions are due to take place next week.
Catherine Martin said she wants to see “an easing of restrictions in September for our musicians, for our artists”.
Eamon Ryan said there is a potential for public transport to return to 100% capacity next month under plans being discussed.
Minister Ryan also said confirmations and communions could possibly recommence from September.
Taoiseach and Tánaiste to meet live event reps next week as pressure mounts to reopen entertainment sector
Government has said it will follow through with its commitments to provide a comprehensive plan for the sector.
Minister wants indoor arts and dance classes back in September in line with schools reopening
The Taoiseach, Tánasite and the chief medical officer have been invited to attend a meeting with live entertainment reps.
Here's What Happened Today: Tuesday
Here’s your round-up of what made the headlines today.
Taoiseach expects things to 'settle down' as business group says outdoor dining has improved city atmosphere
Towards the end of the month the government should be able to make a call on what further relaxations might be permissible in August.
Micheál Martin says the government will decide by July if it can 'do more than we signalled'
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has reportedly asked NPHET to consider a phased return to offices in August
Business group DublinTown says outdoor dining has improved the atmosphere in the city
Galway councillor suggests 'designated areas' for outdoor drinking
Covid vaccines: Three million doses have been administered in Ireland
Cinemas are set to re-open on Monday: how will it work and what can you go and see?
Covid guidelines must be adhered to as cinemas show a range of new releases and some older ones.
Almost 2.9 million Covid-19 vaccine doses administered so far in Ireland, HSE CEO says
The HSE is also considering recommendations on shortening the gap between doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
NPHET recommends indoor dining and international travel to resume in July
The public health experts also recommended allowing up to 5,000 spectators in large outdoor stadiums from 2 August.
The Cabinet will meet to sign off on the eased measures.
5,000 spectators are set to be allowed attend outdoor events from 2 August.
The Health Minister has said: "NPHET’s view is the trajectory is positive."
Target to vaccinate 82% of adults by end of June 'likely to be missed by a few weeks'
Varadkar confirms pub and restaurant rules around time limits will be reviewed in a 'few weeks'
Restrictions have relaxed in the North today - with pubs and restaurants opening for indoor service
Tourism accommodation opens and indoor dining will resume in the North today.
From today, a maximum of six people can sit together inside pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Belfast's Grand Central Hotel general manager Stephen Meldrum said there has been "a marginal increase" in bookings over the last four weeks.
Happy shoppers return to stores but city retailers warn that tourism and office workers are still key
Customers can expect social distancing enforcement, one way traffic systems and lots of hand sanitiser.
Non-essential retail is allowed to resume from today
Face coverings are still mandatory to wear for customers and staff
Queues at some stores but reopening generally more low key than last year
Footfall a boost for cities but retailers warn tourism is still important
Hairdressers and inter-county travel due to reopen on 10 May, while beer gardens and outdoor dining set for 7 June
Government will give a detailed roadmap today after a full Cabinet meeting.
Another 'outdoor summer': Here's when to expect this week's Covid re-opening decisions
There could be more easing in terms of households meeting outdoors and in sports.
As well as the schedule for May the Taoiseach is expected to give some indications of the plan for June this week.
The main announcements are expected on Thursday night, with NPHET set to convene on Wednesday.
It comes amid the easing of some restrictions on sports today and the reopening of outdoor attractions like zoos.
Zoos and wildlife parks, tennis and golf: Here's what restrictions are changing today
Ireland has administered over one million first doses of Covid-19 vaccines
Harris says there may be 'potential to do a bit more' easing of restrictions than has already been flagged for May
The minister mentioned the potential of doing more activities outside could be considered.
The Higher Education Minister is arguing that the public know how to socialise safely outdoors now, and should be allowed to do so.
AstraZeneca has written to an Oireachtas committee to say that it will deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine in the first 6 months of the year.
Finance Minsiter Paschal Donohoe said that it could be 2023 before Ireland returns to pre-pandemic employment levels.
Glynn says NPHET isn't predicting a fourth wave but is concerned about possible super-spreader events
NPHET and the Government are due to consider the further easing of restrictions again at the beginning of May.
Having all schools fully open in April is a top priority, says Tánaiste
Easing of some low-risk outdoor activities is also expected to be announced next week.
Ireland is getting a new Covid roadmap, but what’s happening in other countries right now?
Let’s take a look.
Government hoping for things to be 'much better' from April - but no large gigs on the cards this summer
In terms of concerts or large outdoor events in the summer, one government source said “no chance”.
Crowds of up to 10,000 set to be allowed into Australian sports stadiums next month
The news comes as New Zealand prepares to welcome back fans at its Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament.
No return to rush-hour as Dublin's streets remain quiet on the first morning of Phase Two
Buses and train stations remained largely quiet this morning.
Harris says 20km rule important to avoid virus being brought into less affected areas
The number of Covid-19 cases in ICU has fallen to 36, according to the latest figures.
Change to wage subsidy scheme to include those returning from maternity leave
The change will also accommodate those returning from a period of paternity or adoptive leave.
Cabinet set to approve easing of restrictions, but homeware stores not permitted to open
Hardware stores, garden centres, farmers’ markets, bicycle shops and garages are due to open Monday.
Europe prepares for more lockdown easing as Spain records lowest daily death toll in seven weeks
Despite the reopenings, experts have cautioned that many countries are still not through the worst of their outbreaks yet.
Harris hopes to ease measures in May but warns not to expect 'significant lifting of restrictions'
Lifting the restrictions will be “complex” and “delicate” according to the Minister for Health.
Varadkar intends to publish exit plan, but doesn't know if restrictions will be lifted on 5 May
The Taoiseach wants to publish the roadmap before 5 May.