Ireland: Domestic COVID-19 restrictions to ease slightly over holiday period Dec. 18-Jan. 7 /update 19

Ireland to relax domestic COVID-19-related restrictions Dec. 18-Jan. 7, 2021; significant business and travel disruptions remain.

Event

Authorities plan to ease domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions Dec. 18-Jan. 7, 2021. During this time, up to two households will be permitted to meet in private and public spaces, and individuals may travel within Ireland without restriction. The following domestic restrictions remain in place as of Dec. 17:

Members of different households are not permitted to meet socially indoors, with the exception of those forming a support bubble.
Individuals are not permitted to travel outside of their county, except for work or essential purposes such as seeking healthcare and attending to family emergencies. Working from home is required whenever possible.
Nonessential retail outlets, as well as hairdressers, gyms, swimming pools, and cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries, are permitted to operate provided they follow strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Restaurants and pubs serving food can operate with a maximum of six people per table permitted indoors.
Family gatherings except for funerals and weddings with a limit of 25 people are suspended
Individuals are allowed to meet with up to six members of one other household in outdoor spaces that are not part of a home or garden, such as parks.
Public transport capacity is limited to 50 percent; residents are advised to use public transport only for essential purposes.
Nightclubs, casinos, and similar venues remain closed.
Religious services of up to 50 people are permitted.
Facemasks are required in indoor public places and crowded outdoor public places.

In addition, authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions. Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (Green regions) will not need to self isolate; travelers from areas of medium COVID-19 activity (Amber regions) or areas of high COVID-19 activity (Red regions) will need to self-isolate for 14 days, which can be curtailed if they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result after five days. This requirement to self-isolate can be avoided for travelers from Amber regions if they are able to produce a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the three days prior to travel. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, aircraft pilots, and individuals traveling for an imperative business or family reason are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.

Authorities could be reintroduced, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.