Easing of Covid Restrictions from September 2021

Ireland has one of the highest levels of vaccination among the adult population in the EU but the level of infection is still a cause for concern.
However, in the latest Covid 19 Updates the government has announced a significant easing of restrictions including internal and international travel as well as dining, opening of pubs and the holding of events with large crowds.

Here are the main points of the Latest Covid 19 Updates :

From 1st September 2021
Public transport at full capacity will resume.

From 20th September 2021

Communions and Confirmations can resume.
All religious ceremonies can take place with 50% capacity, regardless of immunity status.
Live music at weddings to resume.
Organised events to take place at 60% capacity indoors and 75% capacity outdoors, where people are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
Accompanied children under 18 do not need proof of vaccination or recovery.
If not all attendees are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months current capacity limits for indoor events will remain and capacity for outdoor events will be 50%.

From 22nd October 2021 (subject to public health advice)

Remaining restrictions are to be lifted including:

Social distancing
Limits on numbers attending events, and in private homes
Restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies
Requirement of proof of immunity to access events and activities (except for international travel)
Restrictions on high-risk activities including nightclubs.
Wearing of masks in public will not be mandatory (except on public transport, in shops and in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.)

Dining and Drinking

Indoor service in bars and restaurants has recommenced but if you are over 18, you must show proof that you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months.

International Travel

International travel for non-essential reasons has resumed.
For travel within the EU the EU Digital COVID Certificate is required.

What does it all mean for Visitors?

The good news is that visitors will be able to enjoy the hospitality that the county has to offer more freely and they will be able to visit venues which have been closed or restricted for so long.
Sports, music and other entertainment venues which have been off limits will now become available and we can expect the resumption of numerous events including gigs, sessions, concerts and festivals.

Additional Safeguards.

The emphasis has now shifted from regulation and enforcement to Personal Responsibility.
Citizens and visitors are advised to follow the advice of the healt authorities and to continue to apply the safety measures like social distancing, wearing of masks, working from home where possible, hand sanitising and avoidance of crowded spaces as appropriate.

Individual premises such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, pubs and other venues may continue to apply many of the current measures for the safety of their customers and staff and visitors are asked to respect these requirements.

Useful Resources

For up to date reliable Latest Covid 19 Updates see the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
and Public health measures for COVID-19 at Citizens Information.