# restrictions

Last year

2022

WHO holds 'high-level meeting' with Chinese officials to discuss Covid-19 surge

It comes after Britain joined France and Spain in requiring that travellers arriving from China show a negative Covid test.

35.0k

Updated Dec 30th 2022, 10:40 PM

# restrictions

China announces nationwide loosening of Covid restrictions following protests

Anger over China’s zero-Covid policy stoked unrest not seen since the 1989 pro-democracy protests.

5.1k

Dec 7th 2022, 7:10 AM

# travel restrictions

New Zealand welcomes back international tourists as Covid rules are eased

The country imposed some of the toughest border restrictions in early 2020.

18.9k

May 2nd 2022, 8:54 AM

# China

Shutdowns spread in China as Covid infections rise

The government reported 29,411 new cases yesterday.

28.7k

Apr 15th 2022, 8:51 AM

# Shanghai

Shanghai to start easing lockdown after mass Covid testing

Large swathes of the city, with a population of 26 million, have been under lockdown since March 28.

8.9k

Apr 9th 2022, 12:33 PM

# Coronavirus

New Zealand announces end of Covid-19 mandates

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement today.

17.2k

Mar 23rd 2022, 7:02 AM

# Covid-19

Tánaiste rules out bringing back Covid restrictions

There are currently around 1,100 people in hospital with Covid, with some 50 people in ICU.

58.6k

Mar 20th 2022, 6:01 PM

# restrictions

‘Milestone’ day as most Covid-19 restrictions lifted today, including mask-wearing

People will still be advised to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare settings.

52.3k

Feb 28th 2022, 7:11 AM

# Masks

Cabinet agrees to end almost all Covid-19 health measures from next Monday

Updated guidance will be issued for early learning and childcare providers on preventing the spread of infection.

77.0k

Updated Feb 22nd 2022, 7:57 PM

# restrictions

Germany announces end to most Covid restrictions on March 20

The decision coincided with moves by neighbouring Austria and Switzerland.

20.3k

Feb 16th 2022, 10:39 PM

# Canada

Canadian judge orders an end to lorry blockade at border bridge

The stand-off has entered its fifth day.

23.2k

Updated Feb 11th 2022, 10:32 PM

# The North

O'Neill says 'real prospect' Covid restrictions will have to stay in NI due to legal issues

The North’s Health Minister sought guidance following the resignation of first minister Paul Givan last week.

10.9k

Feb 10th 2022, 5:39 PM

# Living With Covid

Boris Johnson signals end to self-isolation rules in England as part of ‘living with Covid’

He said the legal requirement to self-isolate for positive cases of Covid-19 is expected to end later this month.

19.4k

Feb 9th 2022, 5:35 PM

# Coronavirus

Europe is heading for Covid-19 'ceasefire' that could lead to 'enduring peace', WHO says

This comes as a growing number of European nations lift almost all Covid-19 restrictions.

22.7k

Feb 3rd 2022, 5:18 PM

# Covid-19

Denmark becomes first EU country to lift all Covid restrictions despite record case numbers

The country’s health authority “recommends” that those who test positive for the virus should isolate for four days.

21.6k

Feb 1st 2022, 1:10 PM

# coronavirus newsletter

Do boosted close contacts need to restrict their movements?

Well, about that…

35.7k

Jan 28th 2022, 9:00 PM

# restrictions

New report of birthday party held indoors for Boris Johnson during first Covid-19 lockdown

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules.

25.8k

Jan 24th 2022, 7:27 PM

# omicron

New Zealand’s PM postpones wedding as she introduces tougher Covid rules

Jacinda Ardern had been planning to get married next weekend but the celebration has been postponed.

61.0k

Jan 23rd 2022, 7:46 AM

# Covid-19

Spirits high as Ireland takes big step back to normality

The majority of Covid-19 restrictions lifted at 6am on Saturday.

44.1k

Jan 22nd 2022, 6:50 PM

# Your Say

Poll: As restrictions ease, what are you looking forward to most?

The vast majority of Covid measures lifted at 6am today.

60.0k

Jan 22nd 2022, 10:30 AM

# opening up

Explainer: Why are Covid restrictions lifting now?

Most measures will be lifted tomorrow. Experts say there are good reasons for this.

59.7k

Updated Jan 21st 2022, 9:22 PM

# The North

Stormont ministers agree to relax many Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland

They include ending the legal requirement for Covid certification to enter some hospitality venues and the reopening of nightclubs.

15.1k

Updated Jan 20th 2022, 5:11 PM

# Measures

Publicans will 'make every effort' to provide later opening this weekend if given go-ahead

The National Public Health Emergency Team is due to issue its latest guidance to government tomorrow.

47.1k

Updated Jan 19th 2022, 12:37 PM

# Coronavirus

No 10 apologises to Buckingham Palace for parties on eve of Prince Philip’s funeral

Reports suggest senior official Sue Gray could censure PM following inquiry.

51.5k

Updated Jan 14th 2022, 1:02 PM

# Fans

IRFU in contact with government on crowd restrictions ahead of Six Nations

The union is hoping to see the 5,000 limit lifted in time for the clash with Wales next month.

17.3k

Jan 5th 2022, 3:12 PM

# restrictions

Playing Six Nations in one country a better option than cancelling tournament, says Rob Baxter

The Exeter director of rugby believes it is important that the national bodies explore ways to still bring in revenue from this year’s competition.

7.0k

Jan 5th 2022, 2:43 PM

# exemptions

EPCR hoping Champions Cup games can proceed as planned this month

Work is underway to ensure travel exemptions will apply for participating clubs.

4.6k

Jan 4th 2022, 2:49 PM

All time

# omicron

WHO warns of Omicron overload as UK records almost 130,000 cases of the virus

To hold back the tide, European nations brought back curbs with painful economic and social consequences.

53.6k

Updated Dec 28th 2021, 9:42 PM

# omicron

No plans for more restrictions this week, but Martin can't rule out discussions after Christmas

Micheál Martin said they are waiting on the key data on the impact of Omicron and its severity.

The Taoiseach's comments come as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson rules out any further restrictions for Christmas.

President Higgins has this morning signed into law a bill extending the Government's Covid-19 emergency powers into the new year.

Stormont ministers are due to meet today to discuss fresh restrictions for Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, finance minister Paschal Donohoe said he has "the ability" to extend some business supports until April if needed.

51.4k

Updated Dec 22nd 2021, 11:40 AM

# Celtic Park

Old Firm derby will be limited to 500 fans following Scottish government's announcement

Restrictions are being introduced on sports events in Scotland from St Stephen’s Day.

6.0k

Dec 21st 2021, 4:01 PM

# lockdowns

As new restrictions come into force here, how are other European countries tackling Omicron?

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Omicron could be the dominant Covid-19 variant in Europe by mid-January.

33.0k

Dec 20th 2021, 12:25 PM

# Reaction

Hospitality sector express anger and disappointment at 'closure in camouflage' 8pm curfew

The restrictions are set to be in place until 30 January.

33.5k

Updated Dec 17th 2021, 7:39 PM

# omicron

Pubs and restaurants will have to close at 8pm under new Covid restrictions

The number of people attending sporting and live events will be capped at 50% capacity.

Pubs and restaurants will have to close at 8pm from Monday until 30 January

The number of people attending sporting and live events will be capped at 50% capacity

A maximum of 100 people can attend wedding receptions, which must end at midnight

155k

313

Updated Dec 17th 2021, 7:00 PM

# restrictions

Maximum of 5,000 people allowed at live sporting events under new Covid restrictions

Munster have confirmed that tickets sold on general sale for their St Stephen’s Day game against Leinster will now be declared void.

23.9k

Dec 17th 2021, 6:28 PM

# indoor events

Indoor events to end at 8pm and reduced capacity for concerts, cinema and sporting events from Monday

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a number of new Covid restrictions this evening.

27.5k

Dec 17th 2021, 6:22 PM

LIVE

This evening's developments as Cabinet signed off on harsh new Covid measures

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced new restrictions in an address to the nation at 6pm.

NPHET recommended that pubs and restaurants be shut from 5pm.

Numerous government TDs and senators expressed anger at the recommendation.

The Taoiseach announced new restrictions, including an 8pm closing time, in an address to the nation.

148k

130

Updated Dec 17th 2021, 6:01 PM

# omicron

NPHET to brief coalition party leaders this evening

The meeting this evening takes place prior to NPHET’s meeting on Thursday.

32.9k

Updated Dec 14th 2021, 7:00 PM

Voices

Opinion: Young people have sacrificed more than any other group, it's time this was recognised

Adam Hallissey argues that young people have paid the heaviest price in the pandemic.

31.7k

102

Updated Dec 9th 2021, 10:15 AM

# Plan B

New restrictions announced in England in bid to tackle Omicron variant

Boris Johnson said it’s clear the new strain is ‘growing much faster’ than Delta.

38.3k

Dec 8th 2021, 6:36 PM

# restrictions

New Covid-19 measures for hospitality, nightclubs and household visits taking effect today

A number of restrictions announced last week are in place from now until 9 January.

40.1k

Dec 7th 2021, 7:44 AM