The Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed that Ireland will move to Level 3 of the Living with Covid plan when Lockdown ends on December 1.
Ireland is in its final week of lockdown and will cautiously move to Level 3 next week with certain restrictions in place. As Christmas gets nearer, more restrictions may be lifted so that families can spend a somewhat normal time together even if just for one day.
It has yet to be decided whether or not the hospitality sector will open in the run up to Christmas and if so, to what degree.
He said that both peoples’ collective and individual behaviours during the festive season would be critical in the fight against Covid-19. It is important that everyone is aware of where and when spikes resulted during the summer to September/October period and it is imperative that we try to avoid that recurring.
Ministers are expected to push for the reopening of Churches, Restaurants and Shops in talks in the coming days.
Gyms, Salons, Hairdressers are set to open when lockdown ends on December 1. And, if all goes well, and Retail Outlets are allowed open, people will be able to do some Christmas shopping. Perhaps, even treat themselves to a meal at a Restaurant or Gastro Pub. It has not been decided as yet if some inside dining might be allowed should Restaurants be given the green light.
Sources across all three parties say Ministers will also push for travel restrictions to be eased throughout the country later in December so that people will be allowed travel to other counties to meet with loved ones even if for one day.
Decisions on the exit strategy are due to be made on either Thursday or Friday after the Government meets with members from NPHET.
Ballincollig Tidy Towns is looking forward to having its CE Scheme Workers back working in the community as they have been missed over the past six weeks.