Relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions is expected to continue until 7 January; currently there is no inter-county travel ban

DUBLIN: The relaxation of the COVID-19 travel restrictions for Christmas and New Year will continue until 7 January. During this period people can travel out of the counties. It is understood that restaurants bars serving food will be allowed to open until December 30.

The cabinet meeting on Tuesday will discuss the NPHET proposal, which calls for the closure of bars and restaurants from December 28.

The National Public Health Emergency Team recommends also advised a halt to inter-county travel and restricting home visits to one home. According to the current exemptions, three houses can be visited till January 6.

Indications are that a majority of cabinet ministers do not agree to bring in more restrictions during this time. Top government sources say the government is now considering allowing inter-county travel until 7 January. Restaurants and bars serving food can be opened until 30 December. That is two days later than what NPHET advised, but it was earlier than planned.

Home visits will be limited to one home from December 30. This means the shutters are coming down on New Year’s Eve celebrations.

After the North South Ministerial Council, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the government was keen to take NPHET’s advice. Mr. Martin said that in view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, it is likely to get worse in the run-up to the New Year. He said the cabinet meeting on Tuesday would take a decision in this regard.