Taoiseach confirms easing of restrictions in June, July & August

The Taoiseach has confirmed the easing of Covid-19 restrictions over the summer months.

Micheál Martin has addressed the nation this evening (Friday) saying our vaccination programme is unsurpassed in the European Union with nearly 90% of 60-69-year-olds having at least one jab and almost 100% of our citizens over the age of 70 are now fully vaccinated.

Among those 50-59, almost 90% have registered and almost 80% have started vaccination.

On this basis the Taoiseach says NPHET is happy for us to continue to relax the public health measures although people should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend in person.

In June, hotels and B&Bs, will re-open, along with cinemas and theatres, outdoor services can start in restaurants and bars, and there will be incremental re-opening of driver test centres. Increased numbers will be permitted at outdoor organised events, one unvaccinated household will be able to visit another, sports matches can start, and gyms, pools and leisure centres can re-open.

Selected sport and cultural pilot live events will take place in June to assess protective measures.

In July, Ireland will start operating the EU Digital Covid certificate for travel within the EU and EEA, subject to health advice. There will be no restrictions on travel to or from Northern Ireland. Indoor service can resume in bars and restaurants, indoor group training can start, and household visits will be increased to three households. There will be further increases at weddings and outdoor events.

June

Live Events

In order to prepare for the easing of restrictions, it is intended that a selected small number of sport and cultural pilot live events will take place in June.  The purpose of these pilots is to assess logistical arrangements to implement necessary protective measures.  This will inform guidance for venues due to re-open in July and/or with growing numbers in August.

From 2nd June:

1. Accommodation services including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels can reopen. Services including leisure facilities, indoor restaurant and bar services must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only.

From 7th June:

• The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events can increase to a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000. 
• Cinemas and theatres can reopen.
• Partial re-opening of Driver Theory Test Services (25,000 tests per month with related incremental opening of driver test centres).
• Visiting indoors in private homes – visitors from one other household are permitted for unvaccinated households.
• The numbers of guests attending wedding celebration/reception can increase to 25.
• Outdoor sports matches can recommence. 
• Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only.
• Outdoor services in restaurants and bars can recommence.

From 5^th July:

Subject to maintaining progress with the virus, the following measures will come into effect.

• Increased numbers permitted to meet indoors in private homes in line with Level 2 of the Framework – up to 3 households.
• Number of guests permitted at wedding receptions/celebrations increased to 50.
• Organised indoor events can recommence, permitting a maximum of 50 attendees at the majority of venues in pods/groups of up to 6, with arrangements to ensure no intermingling of groups.  Max of 100 in larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one-way controls for entry and exit can be implemented (includes business, training, conferences, events in theatres and other Arts events).
• The numbers permitted at outdoor organised events can further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000. 
• Indoor training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6.
• Return of indoor services in restaurants and bars.

From 19^th July:

 Current Government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel.  Subject to prevailing public health situation, from 19 July this will change to travel safely and in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions. From that date also, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.

For consideration in August

• Further increases in the numbers permitted at both indoor and outdoor events. 
• Increased numbers permitted at wedding receptions/celebrations to 100.
• Public Transport operating at full capacity.