Galway will be moving to Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions from midnight tonight along with the rest of the country, which will include new restrictions on pubs, restaurants, travel, gatherings and more.
Before today, Dublin and Donegal were the only counties at Level 3, where they will remain, with additional restrictions on wet pubs in Dublin.
For cafés, restaurants, and pubs, the Framework for Living with Covid-19 states Level 3 can include “a range of restrictions up to and including no indoor dining” – which is the case in both counties already at Level 3.
From tonight, only 15 people will be allowed in outdoor dining or drinking, and restaurants, cafés, and pubs may also operate takeaway and delivery service. No indoor service is allowed.
People will only be allowed to meet with six people from one other household under the new measures, and weddings and funerals will have a maximum of 25 people.
No organised indoor events can take place in Level 3, but outdoor gatherings of 15 people are permitted. Sports matches and events will be cancelled except in specific circumstances, and training must be done with a group of fifteen people or less.
All indoor cultural venues such as museums, galleries, or theatres must close from tonight.
Gyms, pools and leisure centres can stay open for individual training only, and services at hotels and B&Bs will be limited to guests only.
Unlike in Level 5 where only essential stores would remain open, these restrictions allow for shops and retail stores to remain open.
People will also be asked to stay in their county, except for work, education and essential purposes.
Schools and colleges will remain open, but visiting cares homes will be suspended under Level 3.
The decision to move to Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions was made by the government on Monday evening following a meeting of the Cabinet.
It came after NPHET recommended on Sunday that the entire country should move straight to Level 5, but ultimately it was decided that this would have too harsh an effect on businesses that are just getting back on their feet, and other services.
