CABINET TODAY AGREED a number of measures to end the majority of Covid-19 restrictions on a phased basis.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin in his address this evening said Ireland is now entering a new phase of the pandemic.
He said the time is “now right to begin to move from regulation and widespread restrictions on people’s personal freedom to an approach primarily defined by public health advice, personal judgement and responsibility”.
The Taoiseach announced four key dates for the journey out of Covid-19 restrictions.
Public transport will return to 100% capacity.
The National Transport Authority has said the wearing of a face-covering on public transport will remain mandatory.
It said hand sanitiser will remain available on buses and at stations and windows should be left open to improve ventilation.
Events and entertainment
Organised indoor events and mass gatherings will be permitted to take place with capacity limits of 60% where patrons are all immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 within previous six months), or are accompanied minors (under 18).
This includes conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions and large-scale business events involving external audiences, and bingo venues.
The 60% indoor capacity limit will also apply to cinemas and theatres, with no change to the current 50 person limit where patrons have mixed immunity.
For indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events, the audience or spectators will have to be fully seated.
Organised outdoor events and mass gatherings will be able to take place with capacity limits of 75% where patrons are all immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 within previous six months), or accompanied minors (under 18).
Where patrons have mixed immunity status, the capacity limit will be 50%, subject to protective measures including social distancing between groups and face masks.
The easing of capacity limits does not apply to large privately organised social events.
Religious ceremonies and weddings
All religious ceremonies will be able to proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.
For wedding receptions, there will be no change to the current 100 guest limit in September and the six-to-a-table rule will remain in place.
However live music will be permitted from 6 September and dancing will also be allowed.
Tourism
Coach tours will be able to recommence from this date at 50% capacity with protective measures.
Group activities
Organised indoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with capacity limits of 100 people where all patrons are immune through full vaccination or recovery from Covid in the previous six months.
Where patrons have mixed immunity status, pods of up to six participants will be permitted (excluding adult leaders/teachers). Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
Restrictions on outdoor group activities for participants will be removed. Spectator attendance will remain in line with regulations for events.
Return to workplaces
Attendance at work for specific business requirements may commence on a “phased and staggered attendance basis” from this date.
The Taoiseach said from this date the government hopes to be in a position to remove a number of other measures, including:
Beyond 22 October there will still be a statutory requirement to wear masks in healthcare settings, indoor retail and public transport.
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