Q&A: What new restrictions come into effect after St Stephen's Day?

There was growing concern in Nphet and the Government that Covid-19 cases are already too high and a further week of socialising, mixing and travel would exacerbate this. Picture: Andy Gibson.

New Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the government come into effect from midnight tonight in an attempt to stem the growing spread of Covid-19 infection in the country. 

1,296 more cases and six further Covid-related deaths were reported today, the highest amount since the outbreak began,  and follow confirmation of 1,025 new cases on Christmas Day. 

The latest case figures and Covid-related deaths come as the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in Ireland today. 

Read on to find out what changes come into effect between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve aimed at tackling the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Why is this being done?

Before the on household visits and inter-county travel was lifted on December 18, there was a growing concern from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and the Government that cases were already too high and a further week of socialising, mixing and travel would exacerbate this.

Of particular concern was New Year's Eve. The easing of restrictions had initially been envisaged to run until January 6, but health professionals have sounded the alarm that Christmas and New Year celebrations together could see a huge spike in both case numbers and the R number, or the rate at which the virus is spreading.

As Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said last week before the new restrictions were announced: "The country simply cannot cope with this level of infection as we head into Christmas week. 

"With vaccines offering hope in the coming months for our most vulnerable groups, we want to keep them alive and well so that they can receive it."

So what will the main restrictions be from tonight?

Visitors from two households are allowed until the end of St Stephen’s Day and then reduce to one other household until December 31.

From January 1 visits to private homes and gardens are not permitted except when necessary for family reasons or people in support bubbles. 

Travel outside the county is permitted until the end of December 26. People can travel back at their own pace but no new inter-county travel is allowed after that

Christmas religious services can take place but move online after December 25. 

Travel restrictions from Britain remain in place until December 31

Restaurants and pubs with food have closed from 3pm on Christmas Eve.

Hairdressers and personal services have closed from Christmas Eve.

Cinemas, galleries, theatres and museums are to close from Christmas Eve.

Non-essential retail can remain open

Gyms can stay open for individual training. The 5km limit will not be implemented but are encouraged to exercise close to home

What about my New Year's Eve plans?

Unless your plans were to stay home with visitors from one other household or to be the only visitors to another household, it looks likely those plans will have to be cancelled.

So from tomorrow, I need to leave my family's county and go to where I normally live? 

You can remain in another county until you are due to return home and you can travel in your own time. Once that travel has been completed new journeys outside your county should not be taken. From December 27 inter-county travel is restricted unless you are returning home. 

What will happen to weddings and funerals? 

Funerals have been limited to 10 guests. Weddings may continue to host 25 guests until midnight on January 2 and are then limited to six guests from January 3. 

Can I visit a nursing home? 

No, unfortunately, this has been suspended. It is not possible to visit nursing and care homes or other long-term residential care facilities with exceptions for compassionate circumstances. 

Has public transport been affected?

Public transport is operating at a reduced capacity of 25%. Face coverings are mandatory. The public is encouraged not to use public transport unless it is for essential purposes to get to work. 

What about schools and universities? 

Higher Education will continue online except for critical onsite activities like lab exercises. 

Schools and early education services will remain open for Level 5 restrictions. 

So what is allowed this time? 

Non-essential retail is permitted as mentioned above along with gyms and leisure centres for individual training. Tennis and golf is allowed too. 

Elite sport is continuing behind closed doors along with greyhound and horse racing. 

Outdoor non-contact training with pods of up to 15 people may take place. 

How long is this expected to last? 

A review of restrictions is to take place on January 12 but Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the public can expect to be under level 5 restrictions for the next two months as the government's vaccination programme takes effect. 

“It will probably be towards the end of February or early March before a critical mass of the population is vaccinated and I think we need to operate on the basis that these restrictions will be in place until then,” Leo Varadkar said.