Ireland to lift COVID-19 restrictions ahead of Christmas holidays

Ireland has announced to lift COVID-19 curbs ahead of Christmas holidays. The government has given its permission to pubs, shops, restaurants and gyms to reopen once again from next week. Not only this, one would be able to travel between two counties from December 18. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin made the announcement on Friday and said that people would be able to enjoy a different but special Christmas this year.
Given the rising COVID-19 cases, a number of European nations had reimposed tough bans in the country and Ireland was the first country in Europe to do so. The Irish government had shut all the non-essential shops along with limited takeaway services as well with restrictions. The PM, while addressing the countrymen, said “We now have the opportunity to enjoy a different, but special Christmas. We can be with our loved ones and remember those we’ve lost. We will come through this together.”
News is also there that England too will lift the national lockdown next week but with strict Coronavirus curbs. On the other hand, France has decided to reopen in a phased manner from December 15 while Germany will mostly keep bars and restaurants shut until January next year.

As per the official records, Ireland reported 206 cases on Friday while the total number of cases in the country has touched 71,942 and more than 2000 people have lost their lives to the deadly virus.