NPHET recommends return of cinemas on 7 June and indoor dining on 5 July

The Government is to release a plan tomorrow for what the next few months will look like in regards to Covid-19 measures.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended that cinemas can reopen on 7 June, before the return of indoor dining on 5 July, according to reports. The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 met this evening to consider the further reopening of society over the summer months. Last month, the Government announced a number of changes to public health restrictions in Ireland, including the return of hotels from 2 June and outdoor services in restaurants and bars from 7 June. However, no dates were provided in regards to the return of indoor dining, mass gatherings and cinemas. It is reported that NPHET has now recommended that indoor dining could recommence from 5 July and that cinemas could open their doors from 7 June. NPHET is also believed to have recommended that up to 5,000 spectators can attend outdoor events in large stadiums such as Croke Park from 2 August. Smaller outdoor venues, meanwhile, would be limited to 500 people. The recommendations will continue to be discussed by the sub-committee on Thursday evening before being considered by the full Cabinet on Friday. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to make a public announcement about the further easing of restrictions on Friday evening.