Last night, the Taoiseach confirmed that clubs, pubs and restaurants must close at midnight from this Thursday, along with some other new Covid measures.
Following the announcement, here are all the new restrictions and preventative measures scheduled to come into place, some on Thursday, some with immediate effect:
Close Contacts
With immediate effect, household close contacts that are fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms of Covid must restrict their movements until they have three negative antigen test results over five days. The tests can be taken at any time – you can complete your second test two days after the first, and your third test two days after your second, according to RTÉ.
Antigen Tests
People who are asymptomatic but have visited “riskier environments” are advised to take regular antigen tests. There’s also advice to limit activity in crowded, indoor spaces where distancing is difficult.
The government also advise to “hold off on visiting vulnerable people after undertaking these activities”.
Hospitality
A new closing time of midnight for all restaurants, bars and nightclubs will come into effect from this Thursday. The new closing time does not apply to guests staying in hotels. Wedding guests staying at the venue will be allowed to stay on the premises past midnight, but those who are not residents must leave.
Working From Home
Everyone should return to working from home unless it is absolutely necessary for them to attend their job in person.
According to RTÉ, engagement is taking place between Government, employers and trade unions on updating guidance for employees working from home.
Covid Certs for Cinemas and Theatres
Requirement for Covid-19 passes (based on vaccination or recent recovery) will now be required on entry to cinemas and theatres.
Boosters
Booster vaccinations are currently being rolled out to those aged 60 and over in the community, and those in long-term care facilities as well as the immunocompromised and healthcare workers.
The rollout will now be extended to to those aged 16-59 with underlying conditions and to those aged 50 to 59.
According to RTÉ the Health Service Executive is planning to expand capacity further through both the pharmacy sector and vaccination centres over the coming weeks, and is also expected to plan a further ramp-up of the delivery programme in the coming days in line.
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