Ireland: Churches to reopen - with Covid restrictions

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Source: Irish Government Press Office

All churches in the Republic of Ireland will be allowed to open for public worship from 10 May under the Government's planned easing of Covid-19 restrictions, announced by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Thursday evening...

In his address to the nation, Mr Martin said in-person church services will be allowed to recommence with a maximum congregation of 50 people.

Churches have been closed in the Republic of Ireland since 26 December following a surge in Covid cases and deaths linked to Christmas gatherings.

Under the new regulations, fifty people will be permitted to attend funerals and wedding ceremonies, though just six people will be able to attend an indoor wedding reception and 15 allowed outdoors. From 7 June, 25 guests will be able to attend wedding receptions.

There have been 249,000 recorded Covid infections in Ireland since the pandemic began.The death toll is currently 4,906. The population of the Republic of Ireland is 4.9 million.

Churches in Northern Ireland have been open for services since 26 March.