Non-essential retail set to reopen as Taoiseach indicates move to Level 3 expected

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the Government intends to move Ireland to Level 3 of Covid-19 restrictions from December 1.

NPHET is set to make its recommendations to the Government later this week with an official announcement expected on Thursday night. It’s thought that the Government will be happy to move the country to Level 3 and An Taoiseach all but confirmed this by telling the Irish Examiner that “our aim has always been to exit Level 5 onto Level 3 on December 1, that is our aim and our objective and that would allow non-essential retail to open up and to give something in advance of Christmas to them.”

In terms of family gatherings over Christmas, Mr. Martin said that the Government will be “flexible”, particularly during Christmas week but said that “our own collective behaviour is going to be critical.”

Talks are ongoing about whether to reopen restaurants and pubs that serve food with a decision on this expected to be put on hold until Thursday. It’s being reported that so-called “wet pubs” will not be allowed to reopen when the country exits Level 5 next week.

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