Republic spells out Covid roadmap as NI cancels executive meeting
The Irish government has agreed on a plan to effectively end most Covid-19 restrictions by 22 October.
However the proposed easing of rules is dependent on 90% of adults being vaccinated and Covid-19 cases remaining manageable.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the government hopes to remove legal requirements to prove immunity to access indoor hospitality from 22 October, with all remaining restrictions on indoor and outdoor events and activities removed from that date.
The news comes after the Northern Ireland Executive was forced to cancel a planned executive meeting at which changes around how hospitality venues operate was to be on the agenda.
The meeting was cancelled after Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill tested positive for Covid-19.
Having been well ahead of the Republic in terms of vaccination rates, Northern Ireland has now fallen behind as the South’s supply issues eased and the appetite to avail of vaccines surpassed our own.
Speaking about the proposed ending of restrictions in the Republic, including scrapping the legal requirement for mask wearing outdoors and in indoor, private settings, Mr Martin warned “the pandemic is not over” and “particularly with the delta variant, great uncertainties remain”.
He added: “If a new dangerous variant of concern emerges or hospitals come under unsustainable pressure we will move quickly to respond to the situation.
“It is very unlikely to ever be able to say we are rid of this virus completely and we expect to see an increase in case numbers over the coming weeks.”
He said a winter Covid-19 booster vaccination programme will commence in the coming weeks.
Republic’s Covid rules timeline.
September:
- From 1 September public transport return to 100% capacity
- From 6 September, easing of restrictions on organised indoor and outdoor events / mass gatherings
- From 20 September, easing of restrictions on indoor and outdoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes etc)
- Attendance at work for specific business requirements may commence on a phased and staggered attendance basis from 20 September.
From October 22:
- Requirements for physical distancing
- Requirements for mask wearing outdoors and in indoor private settings
- Limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities
- Restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies
- Limits on numbers that can meet in private homes/gardens
- Certification of vaccination, immunity or testing as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events (with exception of international travel)
- Restrictions on high-risk activities (i.e. nightclubs)
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