DUBLIN – The Irish government has approved a plan to lift most of the current COVID-19 restrictions across the country starting October 22, according to a government statement released Tuesday.
According to the plan, on October 22 the requirement of physical distancing, the use of masks outdoors and in private indoor settings will be eliminated, according to the statement.
The demand for certification of vaccination, immunity, or tests for access to any activity except international travel will also be reduced, he said, adding that limits on the number of indoor and outdoor events will also be removed.
But after October 22, people will still need to exercise self-isolation when they have COVID-19 symptoms, and the requirement to wear masks in healthcare settings, indoor retail stores, and public transportation will continue in place, according to the statement.
A number of remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be eased during September, the statement added.
According to a detailed plan by the Irish government, public transport will be able to carry passengers at full capacity from 1 September.
“The combined strategy of careful reopening and vigorous vaccination has brought us to a point where we can start to do things differently,” Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said when announcing the government’s reopening plan at a press conference. on Tuesday.
He said that as of Tuesday morning, about 90 percent of Irish adults over the age of 18 have been fully vaccinated, but he cautioned that the pandemic is not over.
