Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions could be lifted in three phases throughout December, it is being reported this afternoon.
Current Level 5 restrictions are due to expire on December 1, with the Government deliberating this week on how best to exit the lockdown period that began on October 21. A formal announcement is expected to be made on Friday and the
Irish Independent is now reporting that restrictions will be lifted in three phases throughout December.
The first phase will see non-essential retail open next week along with hairdressers, barbers and gyms. The 5km travel limit may also be lifted and people would be permitted to travel within their county for non-essential reasons. This will be followed by a second phase in which restaurants and bars that serve food will be allowed to reopen. The third phase, in place in the days before Christmas, will see household visits permitted along with inter-county travel.
Earlier today, Trinity College immunologist Luke O'Neill made a number of suggestions on how to spend Christmas with family in the Covid age. These included wearing a mask while hugging and keeping hugs brief, as well as having a breeze blow through your home during festive celebrations. You can read his thoughts in more detail via
this link.
