CONFIRMED: Clubs and offices to reopen in October, Covid passes to be scrapped, masks to remain

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed all of the restrictions set to ease over the next two months.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed that all sectors including clubs and offices will reopen in October. Addressing the country on Tuesday evening he also confirmed that mask-wearing and other public health measures will remain in place in certain sectors such as retail, health care settings and on public transport, however, they will be scrapped in private and outdoor settings. Under the new roadmap for exiting the pandemic titled ‘Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting’ the final set of restrictions is set to be lifted on 22 October. Meanwhile, the first set of restrictions will begin to be eased on 1 September beginning with a return to 100% capacity on public transport. The 6 September will see an increase of the number of people allowed to attend outdoor sporting events and indoor nightclub trails will begin. Live music will also be allowed at wedding and in bars from this date. This date will also see indoor venues allowed to host events with 60% capacity for fully vaccinated people, and outdoor events with 75% capacity. Meanwhile, communions and confirmations are also to be allowed to resume on the same date. The phased return of workers to offices will also take place on 20 September. The Digital Covid Cert will no longer be needed for indoor dining from 22 October. Martin said that the restrictions were an "unprecidented situation" and "neccesary to protect lives and keep society and keep the economy in tact", however, this will now be a new "phase". "We've had to accept restrictions on our personal freedoms which a couple of years ago would have been unthinkable," he said. "Despite these frustrations and tensions, and despite the dispraportionate concern for some sectors, we kept our head as a country. "Your effort and your sacrafice has saved lives." Main Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.