Retail, hairdressers and gyms to reopen as Government moves on Level 5 exit

NON-essential retail outlets, along with hairdressers, barbers and gyms are set to reopen from next week.

The Government is due to announce its plan for exiting lockdown on Friday evening.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin told a meeting of the Cabinet today that the plan involves moving the entire country back to Level 3 restrictions from next week.

There will be further discussions with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to give its recommendations ahead of the announcement.

It is expected that a three-phase plan will be in pale.

From next week, retail outlets, hairdressers, barbers and gyms will be opened again. Religious services are also expected to be included in the list for the first phase of reopening again.

However, the hospitality sector is likely to have to wait until later in December.

Restaurants and bars which serve food will get the go-ahead in the second phase, but pubs that do not serve food look set to remain closed. There remain ongoing discussions about this part of the plan.

Closer to Christmas, household visits will again be permitted, but not in the first phase.