'Weathered Omicron storm': Ireland lifts most Covid curbs as cases fall
India Today
Ireland is to scrap almost all its Covid-19 restrictions on Saturday after coming through the storm of the Omicron variant that led to a major surge in infections.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin announced on Friday most pandemic restrictions will be scrapped, including early closing times and other curbs on hospitality venues, declaring the country had "weathered the Omicron storm".
The stringent rules, beefed up last month as the variant prompted a surge of new infections -- forcing nightclubs to close over the Christmas period -- will be lifted from 0600 GMT on Saturday after new cases and other key indicators eased in recent weeks.
"I have stood here on many dark days but today is a good day," Martin said in a televised announcement in Dublin.
"We've concluded that the rationale or justification for continuing most of our public health restrictions are no longer in place.
"The majority of public health measures that we've had to live with will be removed," he added, while cautioning "the pandemic isn't over".
Ireland only fully reopened in October, after 18 months of rolling lockdowns that then returned in early December.
Friday's decision means pubs, bars and restaurants can operate normal trading hours -- rather than closing in early evening -- and no longer need a Covid pass system or social distancing.
