Green light for further easing of Covid restrictions
The government decided to move ahead with the next stage of reopening the economy and society in line with Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead plan.
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts and support of the Irish people, the government’s plan on the easing of restrictions is working, according to Taoiseach Micheál stated.
He said: "Society and the economy are recovering slowly and steadily.
"To maintain our momentum, we need to continue to follow the public health guidelines in these coming weeks.
"Practising those individual everyday measures is what will secure Ireland’s recovery from the pandemic.
"The vaccination programme continues to make significant progress and we are now in a position to lift a number of public health restrictions during June.
"Plans for further easing of measures over the summer, subject to prevailing public health advice, have also been set out.
"The decision is based on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), that a cautious and phased reopening continues, with a continuing emphasis on outdoor activity, and sufficient time between phases to assess the impact and ensure that progress in controlling the virus is maintained."
In June, hotels and B&Bs will reopen, along with cinemas and theatres, outdoor services can start in restaurants and bars, and there will be partial reopening of driver theory test services.
Increased numbers will be permitted at outdoor organised events, one unvaccinated household will be able to visit another, sports matches can start, and gyms, pools and leisure centres can reopen.
Selected sport and cultural pilot live events will take place in June to assess protective measures.
In July, Ireland will start operating the EU Digital Covid Certificate for travel within the EU and EEA, subject to health advice.
There will be no restrictions on travel to or from Northern Ireland. Indoor service can resume in bars and restaurants, indoor group training can start, and household visits will be increased to three households.
There will be further increases at weddings and outdoor events.
There are uncertainties and these will continue to be closely monitored by government over the coming weeks.
People should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend in person.
It's good news for the summer ahead.
The full list of restrictions being eased are as follows:
June 2
Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs can re-open
June 7
Indoor visits from one other household are allowed.
Outdoor service at pubs and restaurants can resume.
Gyms and swimming pools can re-open.
Cinemas and Theatres can re-open.
Adult Sports Games can resume with 100 fans in attendance (up to 200 fans at a 5,000+ ground).
Up to 25 people can attend a wedding reception.
Driver Theory Tests return.
July 5
Indoor team sports can resume.
Indoor workout Classes can resume.
Indoor service at pubs and restaurants can resume.
200 can attend matches (up to 500 at a 5,000+ ground)
Up to 50 people can attend a wedding reception.
Day Care Centres open
July 19
Non-essential international travel can resume (mandatory hotel quarantine will still be in place for those without a vaccine cert or a negative PCR test).
Throughout June and July
A number of small and large trial music, entertainment and sporting events will be held
August 5
Up to 100 people can attend a wedding reception.
Up to 5,000 people can attend events at outdoor venues (capped at one quarter of the venue's capacity).
New supports will be introduced for pubs that serve drinks exclusively and for the events industry.