The relaxation period of restrictions is expected to be shortened.
Ireland can expect to see further Covid-19 restrictions before the end of the year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.
Speaking on RTÉ News on Thursday evening, Martin said that he had spoken to Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan who is concerned about the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland.
He said that the National Public Health Emergency Team would be recommending to shorten the relaxation period of current restrictions, meaning they would finish earlier than the original 6 January date.
“The anticipated period of going from tomorrow to the 6th of January would be shortened,” he said.
Martin said that the Cabinet would meet on Tuesday to discuss the recommendations and make a decision. He said it would give people time to prepare for any changes.
He added that the government was taking the situation “very seriously”.
When asked by RTÉ’s David McCullagh when he expects to see the restrictions, Martin said it would likely be after Christmas but before the end of the year.
The news means that new restrictions on hospitality and household visits are expected before New Year’s Eve.
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