Government altered its reopening plans; no significant relaxations in Ireland from July 5
DUBLIN: In view of the Delta variant’s threat, the Government has announced a change in the reopening plans for indoor services, which were due to resume unrestricted from July 5. The Government has decided not to announce significant relaxations following a stern warning issued yesterday by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the NPHET recommendation was accepted because we do not want to lose the progress we have made. The NPHET warned that reopening could result in more infections, hospitalisation, and fatalities.
As per the latest Government announcement, indoor service in bars, restaurants and other indoor activities such as group exercise, training and dancing will not resume from July 5.
Weddings
Up to 50 guests can attend the wedding reception from July 5, following public health guidelines.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar have stated that religious ceremonies such as communions and confirmations are not permitted.
Vaccinated visits
There will be no limit on the number of people who can gather indoors starting on July 5 if they are all fully vaccinated. This exemption also applies to those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months.
Exemptions for those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from virus
Given the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, the Taoiseach stated that the Government intends to restrict indoor services and activities to people who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered from COVID-19. However, he added that no date has been set for this to commence.
Mr. Martin said that the Government is working on a plan to allow those who have been vaccinated and those who have recently recovered from the virus to dine and drink indoors, and that it is expected to be announced by July 19. This indicates that indoor activities will not be resumed until this date.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events can resume on July 5, with a capacity of 200 people in most cases. Events having a capacity of more than 5,000 people will be able to admit 500 people.
Digital COVID Certificate from July 19th
The Taoiseach announced that the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) will be operational in Ireland from July 19. However, the Government has advised people to avoid non-essential international travel.
PUP extended to July 7
The deadline for new applicants to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has been extended from June 30 to July 7. The Government also intends to provide further assistance to businesses that remain closed as a result of the revised reopening plans.
The Taoiseach said the pandemic has placed a “disproportionate” burden on the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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