Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Sunday 4 June 2023 Dublin: 15°C

# covid restrictions

Last year
2022
# covid restrictions
Germany votes to end most coronavirus restrictions despite surge in cases
The Bundestag vote means the need for face masks in most places, not including public transport, will end on Sunday.
# nphet
NPHET recommend end to mandatory mask-wearing in education, public transport and school settings
Public health officials advised the government of the move following a meeting today.
# Northern Ireland
Ending of Covid rules in NI is ‘not freedom day’, chief scientific adviser warns
Professor Ian Young urged people to continue to wear face masks in certain public settings, even though it will no longer be a legal requirement.
# charlotte bellis
New Zealand defends strict Covid quarantine as pregnant reporter fights to leave Kabul
Charlotte Bellis said she had to turn to the Taliban for help after her requests to return home were rejected.
# easing restrictions
Varadkar wants to set 31 March as a deadline to end almost all legal Covid restrictions
The EU Digital Covid Cert would be still needed for international travel in Europe.
# Leo Varadkar
Varadkar: Ireland coming to the point where it needs to 'move on' from Covid-19 restrictions
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar was speaking on RTE Radio.
# close contacts
No change to hospitality restrictions until February at the earliest, Taoiseach confirms
Micheál Martin said that Cabinet would discuss the restrictions on hospitality again at the end of January.
All time
# omicron
Taoiseach: January will be 'challenging', but 'behaviour does matter' in reducing Covid threat
The Taoiseach told RTÉ’s Brendan O’Connor show that the Government was taking action “early”, before hospitalisations increase further.
# last christmas
Boris Johnson accused of ‘culture of disregard’ for Covid rules as Christmas quiz photo emerges
Downing Street said the Conservative Party leader had ‘briefly’ taken part ‘virtually’ in the quiz.
# Northern Ireland
No plans to change NI Covid restrictions over Christmas, says First Minister
Concerns have risen in Northern Ireland about the rapid rate at which the Omicron variant is spreading in parts of Britain.
# tory party party party
Inquiry into Number 10 party claims could be widened to other events, warns UK Cabinet minister
The Tories admitted an event organised by a mayoral candidate took place in the party’s headquarters on 14 December.
# Protests
Violent clashes in Belgium as tens of thousands march against country’s Covid measures
There have been many anti-vaccination marches in European nations in recent days as one government after another tightened restrictions.
# tee-up
Golfgate court hearing could last 5 days as over 50 witnesses to be heard
Judge Mary Fahy set aside 6 and 7 January for the opening days of the hearing.
# Visitor Restrictions
Rotunda Hospital will relax restrictions for antenatal appointments from 1 November
Only one nominated companion or partner is allowed to visit the hospital.
# Mental Health
Warning of ‘tsunami’ of mental health issues among children due to pandemic
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said children will continue to face ‘acute’ mental health challenges related to Covid.
# covid restrictions
Another reopening delay: Back to basics and back to the dancefloor
An extract from The Journal’s coronavirus newsletter.
# RTE SERIES
Rotunda 'very much regrets' upset caused by TV series after criticism from Taoiseach
The series has faced criticism for being filmed at the maternity hospital despite coronavirus restrictions being in place.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he didn’t think the production was appropriate.
Donnelly, the health minister, said he believes the Master of the Rotunda should answer questions.
The hospital and RTÉ have facing criticism after the show was filmed while Covid restrictions were in place.
'Huge disappointment' about new draft maternity restriction guidance, advocates say
I found out I was having a miscarriage this week. My husband wasn't allowed into the hospital.
# vaccine passports
Denmark lifts the last of its Covid restrictions
50,000 people will attend a concert in Copenhagen tomorrow.
# Maternity Care
'Huge disappointment' about new draft maternity restriction guidance, advocates say
Campaigners have criticised differing guidance for private rooms and those with multiple beds.
Voices
Nialler9: The live events industry remains in lockdown, while the government now lobbies itself
DJ and music writer Niall Byrne (Nialler9) says the music industry has been treated as an afterthought by Government.
# new roadmap
Roadmap for easing of Covid restrictions set to be published on 31 August
“We will be going into a new era of the management of Covid-19,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this evening.
# Stormont
Northern Ireland theatres to reopen as ministers agree further Covid relaxations
The rules will change at 6pm on Tuesday.
# receptions
August wedding guest increase at risk as Ireland is 'without a doubt' in fourth wave
Leo Varadkar said the limit for receptions “might change to 100″, but he would not advise people to “plan on that basis”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said a final decision would be made next week on wedding numbers
The context for the decision is the 'challenging' increase in Covid-19 infections
Leo Varadkar says cases may peak at 3,000-4,000 per day in the coming weeks but ICU admissions may peak at a 'manageable' 40-50
Taoiseach says 'there's an obligation' on everyone to follow indoor dining rules ahead of Monday's reopening
Number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 rises above 100 for first time since May
# covid restrictions
FactCheck: Is Ireland one of the only countries in Europe without indoor dining?
The claim was first made last Friday. The Journal FactCheck finds it to be true.
# Freedom Day
England may need to delay its roadmap to normality, but only for 'a couple of weeks'
Of 126 people admitted to hospital with the Indian variant, just three had had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
# Bank Holiday
Gardaí restrict access to Dublin streets and arrest 10 people for public order incidents
Gardaí say they came under fire on South Anne Street and Temple Bar.
# Your Say
Poll: What kind of dining are you most looking forward to?
With restrictions easing from next week, we’re wondering what kind of bread-breaking you can’t wait to do.
# locked out
Beer and goading in Portobello: 'I've cleaned up s**t, I've seen more people pissing'
There were differing views at the canal-side as Dublin City Council fenced off the popular public space.
The council says "about a thousand people" have gathered there in recent weekends, causing disruption for residents
There are to be increased garda patrols of the area
A demonstration this afternoon saw views expressed on both sides
Voices
I found out I was having a miscarriage this week. My husband wasn't allowed into the hospital.
In spite of all the calls for hospitals to ease their Covid measures it was impossible to get a clear answer on whether my partner would be allowed in, our contributor writes.
# covid restrictions
Leo Varadkar urges employers not to pressure staff to return to offices
The Tánaiste said that there was “clear evidence” that people are drifting back to their workplace.
# French Police
French police bust 100 people breaking Covid restrictions in underground restaurant
Participants were shown enjoying caviar and champagne at the event costing €220 per person.
# Your Say
Poll: Should restrictions be eased to allow for religious celebrations over Easter?
Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke with the Taoiseach about reducing restrictions yesterday.
# Micheál Martin
Taoiseach: 'In hindsight, would we have done what we did a month ago? Obviously not'
“Nobody predicted, in any model, the level of community transmission that we’re currently experiencing,” he told Virgin Media News.
# health guidelines
Gardaí were spat at over 200 times this year during Covid crisis
The Garda National Vetting Bureau has published stats on the number of times enforcement powers were used during the pandemic.
# Level 3
High levels of compliance with Covid-19 restrictions are reported but concerns remain around sport and shopping
22,000 inspections have been carried out since restrictions were implemented.
# Sky News News
Kay Burley to go off air for six months in wake of controversial birthday gathering
Political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid have agreed to be off air for three months
# Dining
Restaurants and gastropubs reopen today - here's everything you need to know
Time limits, substantial meals and all the rest.
# covid restrictions
Phoenix Park deer caused 'undue stress' by increase in visitors during pandemic
Instead of feeding the deer, the staff of the Phoenix Park have set up a number of post boxes for children to drop off their letters to Rudolf.
# covid restrictions
Return of schools likely to 'give rise to additional pressure' on public transport services, NTA chief says
In line with the government’s Level 5 restrictions, public transport capacity is currently restricted to 25%.
# Coronavirus
'Pull together and follow the spirit of the rules': Taoiseach confirms entire country will move to Level 5
The announcement comes two weeks after NPHET first recommended that Ireland move to Level 5.