Irish Government announces plan to end Covid-19 restrictions
The Irish Government has announced the latest roadmap to reopen society as the country prepares to end the Covid-19 restrictions.
It said that in the next and final phase of its response to Covid-19, it is now in a position to change its approach to the ongoing management of the pandemic.
In a live address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that restrictions would be “gradually and carefully eased during September”, before a “significant change of approach” in October. The strategy of lifting restrictions gradually, along with the vaccination rollout had worked, he noted, and this meant that more easing of measures can now take place.
The new plan will see restrictions come to a close on 22 October, although this is contingent on Covid-19 cases remaining manageable and 90% of adults being fully vaccinated.
Masks are still going to be required on public transport, healthcare settings and in the retail sectors, including hair and beauty salons.
The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) welcomed the announcement, calling it a “move closer to normality”.
“It means that people will start to make plans to go out, to get married etc,” it said in a social media post. “We should expect to see a change in the demand for our services over the coming days and weeks as we make our way towards 22 October, when final restrictions will be lifted.
“As we proceed along towards that date, let us continue to maintain our high standards of health and safety measures. We have been a leading example of implementing protocols and standards. It is vital for the continuance of the lifting of restrictions and for our collective safety that we continue to do so.”
The restrictions will begin lifting on 6 September,when larger crowds can gather for religious ceremonies, with up to 50% capacity allowed in places of worship. Outdoor sports events can have 50% capacity in stadiums. Indoor venues can operate at 60% capacity for events for those who are vaccinated, while outdoor events can operate at 75% capacity for those who are vaccinated. Live music indoors will return at weddings and live music will return in bars too.
On 20 September, the phased return to the workplace can begin on a phased and staggered basis.
Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) payments to businesses that are closed will continue until they are allowed to reopen. The Employment Wage Subside Scheme (EWSS) will remain in place until the end of the year, with a decision on whether or not to extend it to be made in the upcoming Budget.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said rather than looking at 22 October as a “freedom day” it should be looked at as the start of a “new normal”. He said that date was chosen because the Government is confident that 90% of over-16s will be fully vaccinated by then, and also that the country will have passed the peak of the Delta wave.
