Thread by @newschambers

#New

Cabinet approves legislation for indoor hospitality - Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Varadkar: People with immunity (vaccination and recovery from Covid) will be able to enter indoor hospitality venues.

Distinction between those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated for a short period of time - this is entirely a public health measure, he says.

"We're conscious of what we're seeing in other parts of Europe - Netherlands, Portugal, Catalonia - where we believe countries moved too quickly."

Provision is being made to extend indoor hospitality to people with a negative test- either PCR or Antigen. That is not happening just yet.

Unvaccinated staff can have a drink or a meal in their place of work.

Varadkar: We anticipate this coming into force next week - hopefully before the weekend - but certainly no later than the 26th of July.

@VirginMediaNews

On ventilation: Improving ventilation will be part of the operational guidelines to be published by Fáilte Ireland and will continue to be part of Government’s communications campaign.

"This is a temporary measure to allow us to restore jobs. It will only last for as long as it needs to," says Minister Catherine Martin. "Our consideration is based on protecting society while allowing tourism and hospitality to recover."

Minister Martin says it's "too much of a risk" to reopen indoor hospitality to the unvaccinated at this point.

"It's a horrible, horrible virus," she says.

If you've recovered from #COVID19 - you will be allowed into indoor hospitality for up to 9 months from the original date of infection.

#COVID19ireland @VirginMediaNews

Pubs that flout the rules will face fines and possible closure orders says Minister Catherine Martin.

NHS certificates from the North and UK will be accepted for this regimen

Varadkar says 1 hour 45 min time limit - only applies where tables are less than 2 metres apart.

Not time limited if you're 2 metres apart.

Leo Varadkar misspoke - it’s six months not nine months post initial infection.