The next stage in the easing of restrictions go ahead this morning, September 6th, with live music making its long awaited return. So what does this mean?
Entertainment
Today will bring increases to the permitted attendances at indoor and outdoor events.
For indoor events where all attendees are fully vaccinated, recently recovered from the virus, or an accompanied under 18, the limit will increase to 60%.
This capacity increase will also apply to cinemas and theatres if the whole audience is immune, otherwise the capacity will remain at 50 people.
For indoor events where patrons have a mixed immunity status, there will be no increase to capacity at this point.
The permitted attendance for outdoor events will jump to 75% if all people are vaccinated, recovered, or an accompanied under 18, or will be capped at 50 per cent for crowds with a mixed immunity status.
Weddings and religious ceremonies
Live music is also back on the agenda for weddings, although the number of guests remains at 100. Religious ceremonies can now take place with up to 50 per cent capacity.
The final part of today's easing will also see coach tours resume at 75 per cent capacity.
On Saturday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said it was "all ok" for the easing of restrictions to go ahead as planned, pointing to high vaccination levels among people under the age of 35, slowing hospitalisation figures and plateauing/falling case numbers.
Paul Reid added 90 per cent of the adult population is due to be fully vaccinated in the next week.
The HSE chief executive confirmed 89 per cent are now fully vaccinated while 92 per cent have received at least on dose.
Local reaction
Speaking to WLR News, Funeral director Beryl Hennessy says it should provide greater comfort to those suffering a bereavement
Mary Boland of Theatre Royal Waterford says they're absolutely delighted that the lift is happening
How to find out more?
You can read all about the lifting of restrictions, and about all regulations surrounding Covid 19, here.
