The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has once more addressed the nation to confirm the passage of yet further restrictions from next week after a tranche of measures advised by members of NPHET.
Mr. Martin his address said that “the protection of public health is the Government’s primary responsibility and we will do whatever is needed to discharge that duty“.
However he said he ”understood the frustration‘‘ that the reintroduction of restrictions will cause for people.
“You did all that and as a country we pulled it back and ”with enormous effort our hospitals held,” he said.
He said that tonight ”nearly 950,000 vulnerable people will have received their third dose of the vaccine”.
However, he said now there is ”potentially a more dangerous variant of the virus.”
Mr Martin said the Chief Medical Officer and public health experts “have been exceptionally clear” and the ‘‘risks associated with proceeding into the Christmas period “without some restrictions” to reduce personal contacts “is just too high”.
He said Government accepted NPHET recommendations.
Mr Martin said it is not about “going back to the days of lockdowns” but it is about adjusting to the risk.
From 7th December until 9th January, nightclubs will close.
Strict social distancing will be required in all bars and restaurants, including hotels and they must all revert to the situation that was in place before 22nd October.
- Table service only
- 1 metre between tables
- A maximum of six adults per table
- There can be no multiple table bookings
- Masks must be worn when not at the table
- Closing time remains at midnight
There will be a maximum of 50% capacity at entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, which must all be fully seated.
Face masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking.
Requirement for the Covid Pass will be required for gyms and leisure centres and hotel bars and restaurants.
In addition, NPHET have advised that visits to private homes over the coming weeks should be kept to a maximum of three other households (that’s four households in total) at any one time.
