Easing Of Covid Restrictions To Be Considered This Week

Monday, 17 January 2022 08:57

By Caoimhe Harney

NPHET will review the latest data.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will consider easing restrictions on hospitality and working from home.

The Government will ask chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to consider whether the 8pm curfew on bars and restaurants can be lifted next month as the current wave of the virus has reached its peak.

It is hoped bars and restaurants will be permitted to open to at least 11pm from next month after Nphet reviews the latest data on the virus.

Masks are still expected to be required for the hospitality sector and indoor live events.

The Government also wants NPHET advice on when people can return to offices again

Nphet will meet on Thursday but the Cabinet may not make a decision on easing restrictions until next week.

However, there's criticism of suggestions that covid restrictions here will be lifted on a phased basis.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said the aim is to have all restrictions lifted by the end of this year, but it shouldn't be done at a 'risky or reckless pace'.

However Independent TD Marc MacSharry says that while NPHET has been doing its 'best', there needs to be a clearer breakdown of who is now at the biggest risk from covid, so that we can reopen society as quickly as possible.

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