Reopening plan Final move on October 22nd to ease mask and distancing requirements

The final move to end restrictions will include easing requirements for physical distancing and mask wearing in many settings, as well as removing testing or vaccination as a grounds for accessing many services, under plans being considered in a meeting of the Cabinet at 1pm.

Draft plans circulated last night and this morning, following a meeting of the Covid subcommittee, outline many of the changes envisaged for October 22nd.

While they are subject to revision and may change after this afternoon’s cabinet meeting, it is understood the current plan would see requirements or mandates for physical distancing scrapped, as well as mask wearing outdoors and indoors in private settings.

The Government is also considering removing certification of immunity or testing as grounds to access services, with the exception of international travel, while restrictions on high-risk activities such as nightclubs are also under consideration for removal from that date.

Limits on numbers that can meet in private homes, gardens and at outdoor events or engaged in sporting activities are also set to be removed, as will any remaining restrictions on indoor sports activities, leisure activities and religious or civil ceremonies.

The phased return to the office will continue, as appropriate to each sector, with each sector also set to be asked to review and align sector specific guidelines.

Plans are also being developed for a “last mile” payment to be made to people working in sectors, such as the arts, which will not immediately return to full capacity and will take some time for events to be planned and organised.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys told Monday night’s meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 that it is not a case of “switching the lights back on” for this particular sector.

It is unclear exactly what form the payment will take or the level it will be at, but agreement has been reached in principle on a proposal being discussed by Ms Humphreys and Minister for the Arts Catherine Martin to revert with a level of support and details of those who will qualify.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming days, it is understood.

Partial reopening

It comes as Cabinet considers plans to green-light the reopening of substantial parts of the live entertainment sector.

Under the plans, signed off by senior Ministers on Monday night and sent to full Cabinet at lunchtime on Tuesday, venues hosting indoor events for vaccinated people will be permitted to reopen up to 60 per cent capacity. There may also be provision for events which cater to a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The Cabinet is meeting to consider the broader reopening plan, which will also see a phased return to the office from September 20th. It is understood the reopening plan is also likely to reference an increased role for rapid Covid testing for international travel, after its use was discussed at the subcommittee on Monday evening.

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