The government has confirmed the reopening dates for many sectors of the economy in the coming months.
A phased reopening over May and June will have an emphasis on outdoor activity and a moderate increase in social contact.
“Think safe, think outdoors” – has been decided as the theme for the summer of 2021.
All remaining construction can recommence from 4th May.
Following this, the following measures will apply:
From 10 May
- an increase in the numbers that can meet outdoors for social/recreational purposes, including in private gardens – maximum of 3 households or 6 people from any number of households. This limit of 6 does not include their children aged 12 or younger
- organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum attendance of 15 people
- outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people
- phased reopening of non-essential retail. Click and collect by appointment and outdoor retail can recommence from 10 May. All remaining retail to reopen from 17 May
- reopening of personal services by appointment
- reopening of galleries, museums, other cultural attractions
- libraries to reopen for lending services. No access to reader spaces/PCs
- recommencement of religious services. It is advised that other religious ceremonies such as Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time
- funerals – 50 mourners permitted at service. Related events, either before or after, should not take place
- weddings – 50 guests permitted at service (civil or religious). For celebrations/receptions, a maximum of 6 people for indoor gatherings and 15 people for outdoor gatherings
- inter-county travel can resume
- increase in numbers on public transport, up to 50% of normal capacity
From 10 May, indoor private home visiting can be permitted (without masks or social distancing) in the following cases:
- fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with other fully vaccinated people as long as there are no more than 3 households present
- fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household, provided that they are not at risk of severe illness
From 2 June
Accommodation services including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels can reopen. Services including leisure facilities, indoor restaurant and bar services must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only.
From 7 June
- outdoor sports matches can recommence. No spectators are permitted
- cinemas can reopen
- gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only
- outdoor services in restaurants and bars can recommence, with groups limited to a maximum of 6 people
- the numbers of guests attending wedding celebrations/receptions can increase to 25
- visiting indoors in private homes – visitors from one other household can be permitted
Next steps
The government has said that a number of ‘higher-risk’ activities will be considered over the coming period for later in the year, including:
- indoor hospitality (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos)
- indoor team/group sports including matches, training and exercise classes
- mass gatherings/events (including spectators) indoors and outdoors
- international travel
