Indoor hospitality was due to reopen today - one of several restrictions set to be eased as part of the Government's roadmap to recovery from the pandemic.

But last week the National Public Health Emergency Team warned it was too risky to do so due to the Delta variant, with the threat of more illness, hospital admissions and deaths.

However, some changes have been allowed to proceed and they are outlined below.

Outdoor events

An increase in the number allowed at outdoor events due today was brought in earlier than expected.

Outdoor events in most cases can now accommodate 200 people. Organised events at venues with a capacity of over 5,000 will be able to let 500 people in.

Pilot events have been taking place to allow in thousands of attendees, including 3,000 fans at yesterday's Tipperary v Clare Munster semi-final match.

Meanwhile one member of the public received a positive Covid-19 antigen test at Saturday's pilot festival at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

More than 4,000 people were tested at the venue in total.

Weddings

Fifty guests will be able to attend wedding receptions from today - double the previous limit of 25 - with protective measures.

But despite the go-ahead for weddings, communions and confirmations remain suspended.

Vaccines and vaccinated visits

Pharmacies can begin administering the Janssen vaccine to people in the 18-34 age groups from today.

From Monday 12 July, that age group can log on to the vaccine portal and choose whether they want the earlier AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccine.

Also from today, there will be no limit on the number of people who can meet up indoors, if they are all fully vaccinated or have had Covid-19 in the previous nine months.

The loosening of this restriction also applies to people who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous nine months.

International travel

From 19 July, the EU Digital Covid Certificate is expected to be operational in Ireland.

In the meantime, the Government says its current advice remains - people should avoid non-essential international travel.

Supports

There have also been changes to the financial supports available.

The deadline for new entrants to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been extended to 7 July.

Businesses who remain closed or significantly restricted under the public health restrictions may make a claim for additional Covid Restrictions Support Scheme payments from today for two weeks.

The CRSS scheme will be amended to allow for a double week payment from this week for a period of two weeks subject to the statutory cap of €5,000 per week.

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