The Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland will be eased gradually, starting from September 6, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed. Though the virus threat is still there, the government is planning more reopening with an optimism that it will help the country take off from the severe economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Also more will be done to commemorate the people who lost lives to the disease.
“We will find the right way to memorialise those we have lost to the virus”. Martin said yesterday briefing the reopen plan.
According to the new plans, public transport will return to full capacity from today (September 1).
From September 6, indoor and outdoor mass gatherings and events will be allowed. Also theatre, music programmes can be conducted for vaccinated people with 60% audience capacity if indoors. For outdoors it can be up to 75%.
Also religious services like communions and conformations can be carried out with a maximum of 50% capacity.
September 20 is the date proposed for the return to work premises. More indoor and outdoor restrictions on group activities are expected from this date.
A month later, the government plans easing of many restrictions under the optimism that all aged 16 will be fully vaccinated. The requirement to produce vaccination proof for indoor dining will be expected to be eased from October 22 onwards.
The remaining restrictions on indoor and outdoor activities, religious and civil ceremonies will also come to an end from this date.
Most importantly, people will be able to go out in public without wearing masks from October 22. Meanwhile mask will continue to be compulsory in health care settings, indoor retail and public transport.
Yesterday it was 1,382 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the country. 355 patients are under treatment in hospitals due to the virus contract.