Hair we go!
BRIDES and grooms toasted the Government last night as Leo Varadkar gave the go-ahead for nuptials from the end of this month.
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons will also reopen on June 29
From that date, up to 50 people will be allowed to gather for indoor weddings and other events, while up to 200 people will be able to gather for outdoor occasions.
Speaking from Government Buildings last night, Mr Varadkar also announced that gyms, pools, cinemas and churches although with restricted numbers.
This means that funeral masses with up to 50 people can be held.
Hotels, restaurants and pubs serving meals will also reopen on that day, although social distancing and hygiene rules must be strictly observed.
All sporting activities including adult and child leagues, and including close contact sports, can resume Monday week, although the number of spectators will be limited. Cultural events can also take place.
The Taoiseach announced further that if the coronavirus continues to be contained, all remaining sectors will reopen on July 20.
Groups of up to 100 people will be allowed to gather indoors, while outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people can also resume on this date.
Pubs that do not serve food will also reopen on July 20.
But striking a note of caution, he said: “We all need to stay careful. It will not be as it was before the pandemic.
“We’re making progress but this announcement comes with terms and conditions. The virus hasn’t gone away. We’re all still susceptible to it.
“This rephasing of the roadmap has been made possible by the solidarity you’ve shown and the sacrifices, decisions and choices that you’ve made over the last few months. That has made it possible for us as a nation to suppress this virus.
“Instead of being forced back, we’ve been able to push the spread of the virus back.
“Some have asked whether there’s a limit to what we can achieve. My answer is, that limit does not exist.”
Mr Varadkar added people must take personal responsibility for their safety as we come out of lockdown.
He encouraged everyone to maintain a social distance of two metres from other people when possible, to wash hands regularly and to wear masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.
He also said people must be mindful to limit their time with friends and to remember the risk for contracting the virus is higher indoors than outdoors.
The Taoiseach added: “This means exercising judgment and self control for your own sake but also for the collective good.” The Government’s decision to reopen much of the country was welcomed by wedding planners who were delighted for couples hoping to tie the knot this summer.
Elaine Dunner, wedding and events manager at The K Club in Co Kildare, said she was looking forward to contacting their clients.
She told the Irish Daily Mirror: “It’s great to get a clearer picture as to what
»»Varadkar says I do believe it’s safe for wedding parties to resume
»»Beauty salons, barbers & hotels also get the green light to trade again
events are going to look like this year. I’ve really felt for couples as there has been so much uncertainty.
“People want to have the wedding day that they’ve dreamt of, not a social distancing, face mask-wearing day.”
“I think there are going to be a lot of couples who will be very relieved.
“This gives people a little bit of hope, that they can still have a smaller, more intimate wedding if they wish this year. We’ve been getting some really nice inquiries over the last six weeks for smaller, more intimate weddings from people who’ve decided they want to get married this year but we’ll have an intimate wedding.
“So I think it’s going to give those people peace of mind that they can move forward with their day.
“We’re excited to see this news, and I’m looking forward to ringing my couples to see how we can plan the day that they want.” In Cork, Fergal Harte, general manager at The Kingsley and chair of the city’s
Irish Hotels Federation branch, said he is also excited to welcome wedding parties to the hotel.
He told the Irish Mirror: “It’s good to see things moving forward and it’s great news for wedding couples all around the country.”
As Business Minister Heather Humphreys encouraged everyone to make 2020 “the year of the staycation”, Mr Harte said his staff look forward to welcoming people back. He said: “We’re all really anxious to welcome our guests back. We’re looking forward with anticipation.”
Last night, the Government said two more people have died from coronavirus bringing the death toll to 1,714.