Country is preparing to return to the third level of COVID restrictions; most businesses, except pubs may be open

DUBLIN: In the hope of Christmas, Ireland is returning to the third level from the fifth level of COVID-19 restrictions. Although the spread of the virus has not been significantly controlled in central areas such as hospitals and schools, the return from five to three is due to the fact that the overall spread of the disease has been minimized.

Earlier, the Taoiseach and the Health Minister had indicated that the country would return from level five restrictions in early December. The gym, hairdresser and retailer will be allowed to open from December 1. But restaurants and pubs that serve food may have to wait for another week. The government is considering its re-opening strategy.

The government would take a decision on Thursday or Friday regarding the removal of the Level 5 restrictions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin discussed the issue with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. The NPHET’s recommendation will be advised to the government tomorrow. Prior to this, a cabinet meeting will be convened. The COVID Cabinet Sub-Committee will consider NPHET’s recommendations before the final Cabinet meeting to approve the plan. The Cabinet decision will be based on the decision of the sub-committee.

Legal exemptions for home visits and inter-county trips are expected to come into effect by December 25 to allow family reunions ahead of Christmas. During this period, the government will place considerable emphasis on the responsibility of the individual to maintain health care. But the government will provide guidance on how to keep it safe.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that gatherings involving alcohol are playing a key role in the spread of COVID-19. Taoiseach therefore requested the people to reconsider the matter.

“What has emerged is that the move on restriction on household visitors after we had introduced Level 3 seems to have had an impact,” he said. “So we have to bear that in mind as we move through December,” Taoiseach added.

However, Taoiseach has indicated that he has no plans to reopen the pubs before Christmas.