Minute by minute: the omicron variant of the coronavirus advances worldwide
Ireland introduced a raft of new covid-19 restrictions, closing nightclubs completely and imposing a 50% limit on indoor events amid fears of the omicron variant.
Ireland has so far identified one case of the omicron variant.
The measures, based on the advice of the country's National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), were announced by the Prime Minister of Ireland (Taoiseach) Micheál Martin during a televised address on Friday.
Martin said that although it is a "difficult" time for the country, the Irish government could not ignore the "very strong advice from our chief medical officer and our public health experts."
"If omicron takes hold, and if it becomes more transmissible, the potential for a very serious crisis is obvious... The risks associated with moving into the Christmas period without some restrictions to reduce the volume of personal contacts are simply too high ".
How to Reduce Carcinogenic Bile Acid Production | https://t.co/nFAOCwKuWU https://t.co/49mdtReaE1… https://t.co/tGxdSUQEfQ
— Transformation Mx Fri Feb 14 20:30:21 +0000 2020
Under the new measures, all clubs will close from December 7th to January 9th. "Strict social distancing" will be in place at all bars, relegating them to table service only.
Restaurants will re-impose social distancing measures in place by October 22, which means tables cannot exceed 6 people, a distance of 1 meter must be maintained between tables, and masks must be worn when are not at the table.
All hospitality establishments will remain closed until midnight.
The government also imposed a 50% capacity limit on indoor entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events that require seating. People who wish to access hotel bars and restaurants, gyms and leisure centers must present their covid-19 pass.
