Ireland is moving to Level 3 on Tuesday 1 December, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period.
Safe visiting & Christmas visiting
An important part of Christmas for all of us is being able to spend time with family, friends and neighbours. However, as we all know, this year things will be a bit different. So take a little time to plan ahead, here are some tips to remember on how we can all continue to do that, but making sure we keep each other safe too.
Remember the essentials:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty
- when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- read full guidance on how to protect yourself
Outdoors when possible
- when spending time with friends and family this festive season, try to do so outdoors where possible
- wrapping up well and enjoying the company of others in outdoor settings is safer than indoors
Visiting vulnerable family, friends and neighbours
- wear a mask when mixing with vulnerable people and those with underlying conditions
- if indoors, make sure where possible that the space is well ventilated
- limit the amount of time you spend together
- make sure these people are comfortable with you visiting before you land at their doorstep
Dining out in cafés and restaurants
- sanitise your hands on entry and exit
- wear your face mask indoors and when moving around the building
- provide details for contract tracing
- Fáilte Ireland have more information
Safe Christmas Day
Plan ahead
- plan how you will spend your Christmas Day and who you will be in contact with
- keep your guestlist short and try to ensure that you limit your close contacts in the days and weeks beforehand
- remember – every contact counts!
On arrival
- try encourage guests to use hand sanitiser or to wash their hands when they arrive at your home or do so when you arrive at someone else’s home
Limit contact
- try to avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes as people arrive
- don’t share items like crockery and glassware
- avoid sharing food and buffet style set ups
Give a little extra space
- try to allow extra space at the dinner table
- extra distance between settings will make sure everyone is comfortable and keeps safe
- people from the same households should sit together
In the kitchen
- remember to wear a mask when cooking and serving food
- limit the amount of people in the kitchen
Fresh air
- keep your home and spaces where people are gathering ventilated
- keep windows and doors open where possible
- try and get out for a walk or spend some time in the fresh air
