Talks on Covid-19 arrangements for December going on

The discussions regarding the Covid-19 restrictions for December have been going through over the weekend.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he wants the country to exit Level 5 restrictions on 1 December.

It is still unsure about what will replace the level 5 restrictions but many are expecting a move to Level 3 with specific set of recommendations for Christmas week.

The three coalition party leaders are due to meet on Monday. This will be followed by a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and a second Cabinet meeting later in the week, ahead of a public announcement on Thursday or Friday.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet before any decision is made.

That meeting is due to take place on Thursday, but it could be brought forward. Engagement with public health officials has been continuing throughout the weekend.

The Government is also expected to give guidance next week on people travelling home from abroad for Christmas. It will be based on the EU traffic light system, which rates countries on the basis of risk.

A significant part of the discussion will  be about the restrictions should be in place for bars and restaurants in the during the Christmas period.

There have been strong suggestions that attending mass and other religious gatherings will be permitted for the period. It is widely accepted that people will be allowed to travel beyond county boundaries over Christmas in order to see loved ones.