Back to Level 3: What this week will look like as Covid restrictions ease

A guide to reopenings across the country

As November draws to a close, people around the country are anticipating the reopening of retail outlets, restaurants and the easing of restrictions on visitors and seeing loved ones. December 1 (this Tuesday) will be the first day of emerging from Level 5 restrictions, but not everything will be opening right away.

If you’re confused about what you can and can’t do this week. here’s what you need to know.

From Tuesday December 1

From December 1, Ireland will re-enter Level 3 restrictions, with some modifications.

Here’s what will reopen on Tuesday:

• Non-essential retail and services – shops, hairdressers etc.
• Cinemas
• Museums and galleries
• Gyms and swimming pools for individual training only
• Places of worship
• Hotels and guesthouses, with services restricted to residents only

Weddings and funerals will now be allowed to go ahead with 25 attendants.

You will still be asked to work from home where possible; to stay within your county, except for work, education or essential purposes; and not to mix with other households outside your bubble.

It is also important to note that guidelines around face coverings have been updated: people are now advised to wear masks outdoors on busy streets, in crowded indoor and outdoor areas and in places of worship, as well as in shops.

From Friday December 4

On Friday, restaurants, hotel bars and eateries and gastropubs can reopen for indoor dining with restrictions; they must serve a substantial meal, the meals must be prepared on site, etc.

Wet pubs will remain closed, except for takeaway and delivery.

Later this month

From the 18th of December, restrictions will ease further for the Christmas period until the 6th of January. During this two-week period, households can mix with up to two other households, with no restrictions on the number of people included in those households. Travel restrictions will also be eased, so that you can travel outside your county.

From January 7, restrictions will revert back to those put in place from December 1, subject to ongoing review of the trajectory of the virus.

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