The Taoiseach has confirmed that the majority of Covid 19 restrictions will be lifted at 6am tomorrow, Saturday January 22nd.
Micheál Martin addressed the nation shortly after 6pm, saying "today is a good day" and that we have "weathered the Omicron Storm," adding that vaccinations and boosters have prevented the recent wave of infection translating into more serious levels of illness and death.
The Taoiseach said that based on health advice, rationale and justification for continuing most health restrictions are no longer in place.
Changes to take place from Saturday
- Guidance in relation to household visiting will no longer apply
- Restrictions on capacity on all indoor and outdoor events will no longer apply
- Closing time for hospitality and events will return to where it was before the pandemic
- The Covid pass requirement for hospitality and indoor activities will no longer apply
- Requirements around movement of people at indoor events will no longer apply
- A phased return to the physical workplace for all staff can now commence
- There are no current changes to measures in place for international travel
- A limited number of protective measures will remain in place for the coming month.
- Based on the advice of Nphet, the wearing of masks, where there are currently required, will continue.
- Protective measures will remain in place in primary and secondary schools
- The advice for those with symptoms, positive cases and close contacts, remains in place
Hope for the future
Micheál Martin strongly encouraged all parents to engage with their GPs about vaccines for their children, saying they should "tease out any concerns you might have." The Taoiseach added that the vaccine is safe for children. The Taoiseach reminded people that "the Pandemic isn't over. It will still require all of us to be vigilant," but he reiterated his trust in science in getting us this far.
The leader of the country also pledged to continue to invest in healthcare and ICU services, and said that the vaccination programme will continue.
The Taoiseach concluded by thanking those who worked so hard to keep us safe, and by remembering those whose lives were lost to Covid 19, and those who lost loved ones. He praised the Irish the people for "having the confidence to be ourselves."
