During this time, religious services and weddings can also take place without capacity limits, but with all other protective measures remaining in place.
Government says use of EU digital COVID certificate (COVID-19 pass) is mandatory for indoor entertainment venues but not outdoor events and fixed capacity limits for outdoor events air are removed.
Face masks can be taken off while dancing in nightclubs – which are due to reopen for the first time tonight after being closed for more than 18 months – as well as eating and drinking inside, but a series of protective measures will always be in place. For indoor concerts, plays, live entertainment and sporting events, audiences/spectators must be fully seated, the government has said.
An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “This will allow us to move forward carefully with Ireland’s plan for the next phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 infection rates are rising again with hospitalizations and intensive care admissions. However, thanks to the hard work and outstanding support of the Irish people for the vaccination programme, we are able to continue our cautious and phased approach to reopening.
“We will need to continue to monitor the continued risk of disease as well, including through testing and contact tracing as appropriate.”
Protective measures include:
*Requirement for a European digital COVID certificate (covid-19 pass) (vaccine or recovery certificate) for hospitality and indoor events,
* face masks (can be removed for food or drink consumption, as appropriate),
*table service only in hotels (max 10 adults per table, and max 15 children included),
*collection of contact tracing data,
*for indoor concerts, plays, live entertainment and sporting events, audience/spectators must be fully seated (standing allowed at your seat),
*specific sectoral guidelines will be developed for nightclubs defining the appropriate protective measures. This will involve COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and the wearing of face masks except for eating, drinking and dancing.
*COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply to outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place
return to workplaces will continue in a gradual and cautious manner for specific business needs
*continue the pre-boarding obligations for travelers to provide proof of a valid PCR test result, unless exempt (such as vaccinated or recovered or children under 12) and the obligation for carriers to verify the PCR test results and deny boarding to passengers who do not have acceptable documentation to proceed,
*those who do not have a PCR test on arrival (unless exempted by vaccination or recovery, for example) will have to take a test within 36 hours of arrival and present proof to An Garda Síochána,
*requirement that the completed ePLF (Passenger Locator Form) form be maintained, but that the obligations imposed on passengers to provide an updated address and contact details are revoked
the mandatory hotel quarantine system is no longer considered necessary and will be removed,
* Mandatory home quarantine requirements should be removed.