It could be a 'holly jolly Christmas' only with masks
The Health Minister says he anticipates all restrictions will be lifted this side of Christmas.
That would mean nightclubs could reopen and live events could resume.
NPHET will meet tomorrow to discuss easing remaining restrictions, ahead of the government's roadmap being published next week.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says it's possible mask-wearing may still be required for the foreseeable future, along with basic measures like hand hygiene.
But it seems there's a note of optimism coming from Government about the easing of restrictions in the next weeks and months.
307 Covid patients are being treated in hospital today (24th August) - after a fall of 11 in 24 hours.
It's after the figure rose to its highest since March over the weekend.
Latest figures show 31 Covid patients are being treated in Galway University Hospital - the highest in the country.
60 Covid patients are being treated in intensive care units.
