The government has revealed its summer reopening plans and confirmed a major easing of covid-19 restrictions will get underway over the coming weeks and months.
In an address to the nation, Taoiseach Micheal Marin announced that measures will start to ease from Monday, May 10th.
Here is how the economy will begin to reopen as by the government this evening:
May 10th:
- Inter-county travel ban is lifted
- Hairdressers, barbers, and other personal services to resume by appointment
- Religious services can reopen with a max of 50 people
- Three households will be allowed to meet up in a back garden
- Attendance at funerals and weddings increases to 50, but attendance at the afters of a wedding will be capped at 6 until June
- Click and collect retail can resume at non-essential retail
- Galleries, museums, and libraries can reopen
- Adult sports training to get back underway in pods of 15 at a maximum
May 17th:
- Retailers can welcome back customers in stores
June 2nd:
- Hotels, guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts can reopen to guests
- Self-catering accommodation can also reopen
June 7th:
- Pubs and restaurants can serve customers outside
- Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen for individual training
- Outdoor sports matches can recommence without spectators
- Up to 25 people can attend a wedding reception
- Cinemas will also be allowed to open from June 7th.
Future Plans
At the end of June, the government will consider easing restrictions on the following for later in the year:
- Indoor hospitality (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos).
- Indoor team/group sports including matches, training and exercise classes.
- Mass gatherings/events (including spectators) indoors and outdoors.
- International travel
- They will also consider proposals for holding a limited number of pilot live events for arts, culture, sport and live entertainment
Stay Focused
In his address to the nation, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the government has been determined to ensure that when sectors reopen, they stay open.
However, he advised everything is subject to covid-19 case numbers remaining stable and they will "keep a close eye" on the impact of easing restrictions.
Micheal Martin warned that the issue of new covid-19 variants will continue to be monitored.
Speaking on his way into this afternoon's Cabinet meeting Health minister Stephen Donnelly also warned that the summer reopening plans are contingent on a successful May.
He said "The measures being recommended for June are contingent upon things remaining stable in May. I'm going to remain nervous through May. The case numbers are still high."
