Mr Varadkar said the lifting of restrictions will see a “phased return” to international travel, but warned that it will not be like it was before the pandemic.He said it is great there will be a return to travel abroad soon, but the Government is going to do it as safely as possible.
The Cabinet has approved several measures that will allow for a further reopening of society and economy during June, July and August.Non-essential international travel will resume on 19 July.Hotels can reopen from 2 June, followed by outdoor service at restaurants and pubs from 7 June.
The Cabinet has approved plans to hold a number of test entertainment and sports events, with up to 500 people able to gather at outdoor venues in July.
Mr Varadkar confirmed that all EU countries will come off the mandatory hotel quarantine list, but said some other countries will still be on a red or danger list when international travel is allowed’He warned that for some people who book a trip to a country that is not on the red list, it may be on the list by the time that person is returning home.Mr Varadkar said the Government will be “cautious” on the return to travel abroad, but said the vaccine roll-out helps make it safer each month with more people vaccinated and protected.