Last Friday, the Irish government unveiled its plans to reopen the country for Christmas following a harsh six week lockdown imposed in October under the Living with Covid-19 plan.

As of today, the country will leave Level 5 and begin a phased easing of restrictions to Level 3. The first set of easing restrictions start today.

From Today (1st):

• Do not leave the county except for work, education and other essential journeys
• People must work from home unless it is necessary to attend in person
• Public transport will be limited to 50% capacity for essential workers and essential journeys only
• Face coverings must be worn on public transport and in shops
• There should be no visitors to your home, apart from those in your support bubble
• In outdoor settings away from your home or garden, up to 6 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet while maintaining strict physical distancing.
• At places of worship, there can be a maximum 50 attendees
• Weddings are limited to 25 guests for ceremony and reception
• Up to 25 mourners can attend funerals
• No organised indoor gatherings should take place with the exception of cinemas which can open with protective measures in place
• Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors
• No matches or other sporting events should take place with the exceptions of elite sports and approved inter-country Gaeilic games that should take place behind closed doors
• Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open for individual use only, with protective measures in place
• Museums and galleries can open with protective measures in place
• Libraries are available for browsing, e-services, and call and collect
• All non-essential retail (eg clothes shops) can reopen 
• Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, discos and casinos are to remain shut
• Wet pubs are to introduce a delivery and takeaway service
• All services such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers and opticians can open with strict adherence to sectoral guidance on protective measures
• Whilst creches and schools are to stay open with extra protective measures, it is reccommended for third-level colleges to offer courses online
• Playgrounds and play areas all remain open with protective measures in place

• Hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s can open, but with services limited to residents and hotel restaurants can open to non-residents

• Visits to care homes are to be suspended except for critical and compassionate circumstance
• Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to continue to exercise personal judgement

The second phase of reopening the country will commence on Friday and will see indoor dining options available for restaurants and pubs serving food.