Varadkar did add that if there is a significant change in numbers, the Government may take action.

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said that there is currently "no plan" to introduce more severe Covid-19 restrictions ahead of the New Year. On today's Morning Ireland on RTÉ, Mr Varadkar said: "The plan is the plan that was announced. We have no plan to impose more severe restrictions before the New Year or after it." However, the Fine Gael leader did stipulate that if there was a significant change in numbers, the Government would "do whatever is necessary to protect human life and the healthcare system". Mr Varadkar continued: "As everyone knows this virus has surprised us on many occasions. If we have to we will have to do whatever is necessary to protect human life and the health service from being overwhelmed. But we don't anticipate that will be necessary." Today sees the introduction of a number of new Covid-19 measures regarding hospitality closing times and indoor and outdoor event attendance numbers. Pubs and restaurants must close at 8pm, but takeaway and delivery services may continue after this time. Indoor events must end at 8pm and attendance is limited to 1,000 people, or 50% of the venue's capacity, whichever number is lower. For organised outdoor events, attendance is limited to 5,000 people or 50% of the venue's capacity, whichever number is lower. For weddings, the receptions must end at midnight and attendance is limited to 100 guests. Additionally, the advice regarding close contacts of confirmed cases has changed. If you are a close contact and have received a booster vaccine, you must restrict your movement for five days and take three antigen tests. If you are a close contact and have not received your booster, you must restrict your movements for 10 days. Lastly, all passengers arriving in Ireland are now advised to conduct antigen testing on a daily basis for a period of five consecutive days, commencing on the day of arrival. Feature photo Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie.