Ireland is returning to normal; most restrictions, including those on foreign travel and indoor dining, set to be lifted in July
DUBLIN: More waivers of the COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland are expected in the coming days. All areas, including cinemas, pubs, restaurants, and holiday trips, are expected to reopen.
The Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 has agreed to allow Irish people to travel abroad for summer holidays from July 19.
On this date, the government will implement the EU’s COVID-19 travel certificate, which will allow fully vaccinated people to travel abroad without producing a negative COVID-19 test upon their return. They can also avoid hotel or home quarantine.
At the same time, fully vaccinated travellers are permitted to enter Ireland from July 19. They will not be subjected to quarantine, and a negative COVID-19 test report is also not required.
The Committee accepted NPHET’s advice on indoor dining, which means that pubs, restaurants, and cafes would reopen on July 5 with only indoor services. Meanwhile, hotels can reopen for indoor dining on June 2 and outdoor dining on June 7.
The National Public Health Emergency Team said that if the virus’s transmission remains stable, more people may be permitted to meet in private homes in July.
From August 2, a maximum of 500 spectators will be permitted to attend the majority of outdoor events such as concerts and matches. If the venue is large enough, 5,000 people, or 25% of the total capacity, are permitted.
Indoor events such as concerts and comedy shows are limited to 100 people in small venues and 200 people in larger venues. NPHET also approved the reopening of theaters in June.
Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath said: “We want to see a return to international travel as soon as possible and as soon as it is safe to do so. So we are taking aboard the health advice from the Department of Health in relation to that issue, but I think there is a growing sense of confidence that we can see a return to international travel within the confines of that arrangement in the month of July.”
While briefing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on the outcome of the NPHET meeting, Dr. Tony Holohan said that the current COVID-19 situation in Ireland is “broadly optimistic”. But he also raised concerns about the so-called Indian COVID-19 variant.
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