Dublin: In a bid to curb the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 during the approaching Christmas and New Year holidays, the Irish government has introduced a number of new restrictive health measures.

According to sources, starting December 20, all restaurants and bars, barring takeaways and delivery services, must close at 8 p.m. and no indoor events should take place after that time, with the exception of wedding receptions. The wedding receptions, however, must not have more than 100 people, according to the statement. It further stated that attendance should be limited to 50 percent of the facility capacity or 1,000 persons, whichever is lower, for the indoor activities already scheduled. The new regulations, which will be in effect until January 30, 2022, also stipulate that outdoor events should be limited to 50% of the venue capacity or 5,000 people, whichever is lower.

Close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases who have got a booster shot at least one week ago would be required to restrict their movement for five days and submit to three antigen tests under the new procedures. Those who have not gotten a booster shot must limit their movement for ten days, according to the statement, with the number of Covid-19 tests required to be determined.

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