”The end of this is within our grasp.”
The words of An Taoiseach Michéal Martin this evening as the latest easing of widely leaked restrictions have been confirmed from government buildings
Measures in June that will now go ahead include
June 2nd:
Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering accommodation can reopen for guests, and from 7th June, outdoor services in bars and restaurants can recommence.
June 7th:
- Up to 200 people can attend outdoor events in venues with a minimum capacity of 5000, and up to 100 can attend other outdoor events.
- Cinemas and theatres will also reopen.
- In light of the very genuine concerns regarding road safety, we will also see a start to the reopening of driver theory test services and an incremental reopening of Driver Test Centres.
- We will see the phased reopening of day centres for older people.
- There will also be a number of pilot sporting and cultural events taking place in June and early July, to test the logistical requirements for further reopening.
July 5th:
- Return of indoor services in restaurants and bars
- Indoor events will recommence, with maximum of 100 attendees in larger venues and 50 in all others
- We will see a further increase in the numbers attending outdoor events.
- Indoor exercise and sports activities will return.
- There will be further relaxation on visits to private homes,
- And up to 50 guests will be able to attend wedding receptions.
From 5th August:
A further increase in numbers attending indoor events, with 200 in larger venues and 100 in all others.
A further increase in number attending outdoor events.
The 50% capacity restriction on public transport will be lifted,
And up to 100 guests will be able to attend weddings.
Michéal Martin expressed his delight with the vaccine rollout.
”By every measure, the Irish people trust the vaccines. In fact our country enjoys one of the highest levels of trust in the vaccine in the world. And you are right to have that trust.
It is clear that the Irish people are embracing the National Vaccination Programme and that it is powering ahead.
More than 2.6 million vaccines have now been administered and half the eligible population of the country will have received at least one vaccine by Monday.
Registration of the online system is now open for everyone aged over 45, and next week, we hope to open it for everyone over 40.
Neary 90% of those aged 60-69 have started vaccination. Among those 50-59, almost 90% have registered and almost 80% have started vaccination.”
