The country has been placed on Level Two of the government’s new plan to fight Covid-19 but there will be stronger restrictions for Dublin.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the capital will be placed on more stringent public health restrictions.
However, these will be open to change if the rate of infection drops.
Pubs will be allowed to reopen in all other counties except Dublin.
Fans will also be allowed return to sporting events in Ireland from tomorrow.
All sport across the country was being held behind closed doors since last month as part of the latest Covid-19 restrictions.
However, just 200 people will be able to attend matches in venues capable of holding up to 5,000 spectators.
Grounds with lower capacities will have the number of supporters restricted to just 100.
The Taoiseach said additional measures will be introduced in Dublin following advice from public health experts.
He also said a €600 million winter package has been approved by Cabinet and local wellbeing initiatives will be supported.
Mr Martin said the plan allows access to theatre, cinema and music events in “small controlled settings”.
He said that NPHET will remain the key body providing public health advice and a new group will coordinate proposals for acting on this advice.
The Taoiseach said that the “Level 2.5” scenario for Dublin is a unique one as the NPHET advice on Dublin came while the plan was being drawn up.
He said that any future designations for counties will very clearly one level or another.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will not be closed to new entrants or those laid off for a second time.
He said that “really important progress” has been made to return to schools and the reduction of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
He said: “Through a collective effort the virus and its impact was first controlled and then reduced significantly.
“The threat posed by the virus continued to change and policies had to change in response.
“Our country has been able to change important progress. Schools have reopened, we are all delighted our children are back playing in the schoolyards.
“We have been able to reconnect with families and friends and experience own our country. Until there is a collective vaccine we must live with reality that Covid-19 causes long-term illness.”
The new medium-term plan projects how the Government hopes to live alongside the Covid-19 virus in the coming months.
The Government are guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team in implementing local restrictions on areas of coronavirus outbreak.
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