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18th Jan 2022

NPHET expected to recommend easing of restrictions

Fiona Frawley

shot of pubs and restaurants on a street in Galway city

It’s the glimmer of hope we as a nation need right now.

NPHET are scheduled to meet this Thursday to discuss current restrictions, including the 8pm curfew for hospitality. It is believed that they will make a range of recommendations for the easing of these restrictions, according to RTÉ.

Early indications suggest that a new closing time of midnight for hospitality and cultural venues could come into effect by the end of this month or in early February.

It is thought that further easings may follow later, when the requirement for pubs, restaurants and cultural spaces would possibly be scaled back to just checking Covid certs.

According to RTÉ, More people could be permitted to attend weddings soon, and a return to full capacity outdoor sporting events has also been suggested. A gradual return to the workplace may also get underway from next month.

Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One today, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that he expects an easing of restrictions to come into effect “very soon”.

The minister also said he believes it is “likely that measures will come in before the end of the month and then it’s a question of what is the best and safest way to unwind the restrictions in place.”

Header image via Shutterstock

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