Ireland will drop virtually all COVID-19 restrictions in October

DUBLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) – Ireland, which had one of the longest COVID-19 blockades in Europe, will drop almost all pandemic restrictions in October after one of the continent’s most successful vaccine launches , Prime Minister Micheal Martin said on Tuesday.

From October 22, the requirement for vaccine certificates in bars and restaurants will be removed, as well as all restrictions on the number of attendees at indoor and outdoor events.

As part of a gradual reduction in restrictions, the government recommends the reopening of theaters and cinemas with 60% capacity next week and the return of non-essential workers to offices from 20 September.

“Because of the effort of our vaccination team and because you advanced the brand and took the vaccine when it was offered, we are now entering a new phase of the pandemic,” Martin said in a televised speech.

Almost 90% of adults in Ireland are fully vaccinated and 80% of those over 12 years of age.

Covered food in cafes, bars and restaurants was banned in Ireland for much of the 16 months until July, when the government opened the sector to people with vaccine certificates.

The Irish government in recent weeks has been heavily criticized by the live events sector as large concerts were held in the UK, which dropped most restrictions on 19 July but has a lower level of vaccinations.

Martin, however, took note of caution, warning of an increase in the number of cases in the coming weeks before a planned decline.

“It is very unlikely that we will ever be able to get rid of the virus completely,” he said.

Conor Humphries Reports; Edited by Peter Cooney

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