The Taoiseach this evening announced the most significant changes to restrictions Ireland has seen since the pandemic began.
Speaking outside Leinster House, Micheál Martin said Ireland had “weathered the Omicron storm” and confirmed that almost all restrictions would end.
The changes affect nearly all walks of life, including hospitality, late-night entertainment, events, weddings and household visits.
Here is everything that is changing from tomorrow and in the days after.
Hospitality.
From 6am tomorrow, pubs and restaurants can return to normal opening hours.
There will no longer be any need for masks (except for staff) or social distancing and bar service can resume.
People will no longer need to be seated at tables and there will be no limits on table numbers.
The COVID pass will no longer be required for anything except international travel.
Venues no longer need to record contact details.
Nightclubs can reopen their doors – although it is believed many will be unable to return until mid-week due to the need to renew licences.
Events and sporting fixtures.
There are no longer any capacity limits on indoor or outdoor events.
It means there will be full stadiums for the upcoming Six Nations fixtures as well GAA and football matches.
The need for indoor audiences to be seated has also been scrapped.
Weddings
There are no longer any time or capacity limits on weddings.
Households
There are no longer any limits on the number of households that can mix or the number of people that can mix in a household.
Masks
Masks will still be required in a range of settings – including public transport, shops, train stations and ports.
They are also required in libraries, cinemas, theatres, museums, post offices, banks and public offices.
Service premises will also require masks – including salons, hairdressers, travel agents, laundries, dry cleaners, bookmakers.
Staff in hospitality businesses will also need to wear a mask.
School
Many schoolchildren will also have to keep wearing masks with the current arrangements for primary and secondary schools set to stay in place until February 28th.
Mr Martin said this is to give parents a chance to vaccinate their children, where eligible.
Isolation
The current rules around isolation for patients and close contacts are remaining the same.
International Travel
People will still need a Digital COVID cert for international travel.
From February 1st, COVID certs will only be valid if the second vaccine dose was administered within the previous nine months.
Workplace
The phased return to the workplace can begin from Monday.
Businesses are being encouraged to consult with their workforce before making any decisions on returning to the office.
Those who are returning are likely to do so before March.
Main image sh0ws the Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a COVID briefing in Leinster House. Image: Rory Walsh/Newstalk
