A large number of restrictions to be eased in May and June
The government is to reveal a major easing of COVID-19 restrictions this evening.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin will address the nation to reveal large sectors of the economy will reopen from May
May 4th will see all construction return.
However the big date is May 10th, where we will see all of the following reopen:
- Inter-county travel.
- Hairdressers, barbers, salons to reopen on appointment only.
- 3 households can meet in gardens - or indoors if fully vaccinated.
- Click and Collect for retail.
- Adult sports training.
- 50 people can go to mass, weddings or funerals at churches - but numbers for afters still capped.
- In-person house viewings.
- Driving tests.
Following this, May 17th will see the reopening of retail shops.
The next important date after this will be June 2nd, where hotels and B&Bs can all reopen to the public.
Then we have June 7th - after the bank holiday weekend - which sees the reopening of:
- Outdoor hospitality - pubs and restaurants.
- Gyms for personal exercise and swimming pools.
- Sports matches without crowds.
In addition for pubs, the €9 'substantial meal' will be scrapped, meaning so-called 'wet pubs' can reopen as well (and hopefully can go back to being called 'pubs').
Those are all of the measures to be put before the Cabinet this afternoon, and are expected to be signed on.
The Taoiseach Micheal Martin is expected to make an announcement this evening - most likely at around 6pm.
