Today is “a good day” as majority of restrictions to be lifted 

Today is “a good day” as majority of restrictions to be lifted 

SPEAKING from Government steps this evening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said “today is a good day” as he confirmed that cabinet has agreed to lift almost all restrictions from 6am tomorrow. 

The lifting of most restrictions has followed recommendations from NPHET, which believed there was no longer a public health requirement to maintain current restrictions.

A limited number of protective measures will remain in place for the next month.

The wearing of masks, where currently required, will remain in place as advised by NPHET. 

The advice on close contacts, symptoms and positive cases will also remain and will be reviewed by the end of February.

However, the Taoiseach confirmed this evening that cabinet has agreed that bars, restaurants and nightclubs can return to normal opening hours, without social distancing or the need for Covid passes. 

While Covid passes will still be needed for international travel, they will no longer be required for domestic use. 

From 6am on Saturday, January 22, there will also be no capacity restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, including sporting fixtures. 

Any number of households can gather and a gradual return to the workplace will commence from Monday. 

Acknowledging that there has been some “very dark days”, the Taoiseach said that “today is a good day”, with NPHET’s report confirming that “we have weathered the Omicron storm”.

Reflecting on the past two years, the Taoiseach this evening remembered all those who have passed away.  

He also acknowledged those who may be feeling anxious over the lifting of restrictions, encouraging communities to support each other. 

According to the Department of Education, schools will continue to operate with their Covid-19 plans, with all current protective measures in place until 28 February 2022.

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