Cabinet decision later on proposed Christmas Covid restrictions

The Cabinet is due to make a decision later today on the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation to combat the rise of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Due to its "exceptional concern", NPHET has recommended a 5 p.m. closing time for pubs and restaurants from next Monday.

It is also proposing that sporting, theatre and cultural gatherings should not take place after 5 p.m. and that capacity should be cut to 50%, or 5,000 people, for outdoor events.