Restaurants and bars to close at 8 pm; Close contacts must restrict movements for 10 days; Government introduces strict Covid measures

The government has introduced a number of strict measures to deal with the spread of Covid-19 in the country. Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday announced the measures as advised by National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).

There were 7,333 further cases of Covid-19 in Ireland and government officials including the Taoiseach the Tanaiste had indicated of a their concern about the surge of virus in the community.

The following measures will come in to effect from today (December 19 Sunday.)

  • Restaurants and bars will close at 8pm. But takeaways and delivery services can continue beyond this time.
  • No indoor events after 8pm, including cinemas and theatres. But religious ceremonies have no restrictions even after 8 pm.
  • Indoor events before 8pm will be limited to 50 per cent capacity, or 1,000 people (whichever figure is lower).
  • Hotels will be exempt from the 8pm closure for overnight guests.
  • Outdoor events (including sporting events) will be limited to 50 per cent capacity, or 5,000 people (whichever figure is lower).
  • Weddings may continue after 8pm, but are limited to 100 guests.
  • Close contacts of confirmed cases will be required to restrict their movements for five days if they have received their booster jab. If the contacts didn’t have the booster shot, the restriction period for movements is 10 days.
  • All international arrivals will continue to be required to supply a negative PCR or antigen test on arrival, in line with their vaccination/recovery status.
  • All international passengers will be advised to take antigen tests for five days after their day of arrival in Ireland.
  • Only four households can meet at time in order to reduce social interactions. The government has requested people to avoid socialization as much as possible during the Christmas and New Year period.
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