The government has approved new restrictions to take effect from Christmas Eve.
From 3pm on the 24th, restaurants and pubs that serve food will have to close.
Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, cinemas and galleries will also be closed.
From midnight on the 26th, intercounty travel will not be allowed.
Ministers will review the restrictions on January 12th. However one tells me they think it’s unlikely these will be lifted at any point in January
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) December 22, 2020
There will be exemptions for those heading home after the Christmas break.
Hotels are also expected to be closed after St Stephen's Day for non-essential stays.
After Christmas, people will only be allowed to have visitors from one other household in their home from the 27th onwards.
Christmas Day mass is likely to be the last one of the year as worship will move online.
The travel ban from the UK has also been extended until the end of the year.
