Further Covid-19 restrictions relaxed from today

Relaxations of Covid-19 restrictions have been announced with restrictions removed from today on number of households permited to meet indoors as well as the need to be seated in premises that provide alcohol. In the Republic almost all Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted from tomorrow.

The Executive has stated that hospital admissions and COVID bed occupancy as a result of community transmission have peaked and are beginning to fall slowly. Based on current data, a rise in COVID ICU occupancy is not expected in this wave.

From 21 January

• In hospitality settings - the requirement to be seated whilst consuming food and/or drink and for table service in premises that provide alcohol will be removed as will the rule of six.
• In domestic settings - guidance regarding the cap on the number households meeting indoors will be removed. (A maximum number of 30 people permitted to gather will be retained in regulation.)
• On face coverings – the requirement to provide proof of exemption will be removed and the reasonable excuse of ‘severe distress’ will be reintroduced.
• The guidance on working from home will revert to working from home where you can with employers encouraged to facilitate this.

The Executive has also been advised by the Department of Health that the minimum self-isolation period for people testing positive for COVID-19 will be reduced to five full days, subject to negative lateral flow tests on days five and six of their isolation.

From 26 January at 12 noon

• Nightclubs will be permitted to open.
• Dancing and indoor standing events can resume.
• In relation to COVID-status certification – the legal requirement will continue to apply in relation to nightclubs and indoor unseated or partially seated events with 500 people or more. For other settings where COVID status certificates are currently required, guidance would strongly encourage their continued use.
• In workplaces - the requirement for offices to take reasonable measures for 2m social distancing will be removed. Guidance remains in place that risk assessments should be carried out.

All remaining COVID measures will be reviewed by the Executive on 10 February.