Ireland eases out of second lockdown, but CMO warns to 'stay away from crowds' 

Customers queue outside Brown Thomas on Patrick Street in Cork as Level 5 restrictions lift on December 1. Picture Dan Linehan/Twitter

People queued outside of shops early this morning as level 5 Covid-19 restrictions were eased.

Non-essential retail shops, hair and beauty providers, gyms and leisure centres will be opening back up from today.