Taoiseach Confirms Most Covid Restrictions Will End In Late October

The Taoiseach has announced almost all Covid-19 restrictions will end on October 22nd, with a move towards personal responsibility.

From next Monday, larger crowds can attend the likes of religious ceremonies and concerts, while communions and confirmations will also return.

Workers will start going back to offices from September 20th, while indoor and outdoor group activities will also be allowed again.

All remaining restrictions aside from mask-wearing in certain settings will be lifted on October 22nd:


TIMELINE

SEPTEMBER 1ST

• 100% capacity returns to Public Transport
• Masks will continue to be required in the health and retail sectors and on public transport.

SEPTEMBER 6TH

• Communions and conformations can return
• Larger crowds can gather for religious ceremonies - 50% capacity
• Increased crowd numbers allowed at outdoor sports events
• Indoor venues - 60% capacity for those vaccinated and 75% at outdoor locations for those fully vaccinated.
• Live music at weddings and bars

SEPTEMBER 20th

• Return to office working to begin on phased basis
• Indoor sports, exercise classes, after school activity, choirs, bingo halls, bowling alleys, community activities can resume

OCTOBER 22nd

• All remaining Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on October 22.
• However this is dependant on a number of factors, including the numbers in hospitals and 90pc of all over 16 year olds being vaccinated.
• Strict COVID guidelines and regulations will be replaced with "personal responsibility"
• Digital Covid Certificates will only be needed for international travel and will not be needed to enter a bar or restaurant
• Masks will not be required outdoors and in private settings