Ringside buyers to return to livestock marts next week

Buyers will be permitted to return to the ringside at livestock marts next week.

The change comes as the country exits Level 5 with a move to Level 3 with modifications from next Tuesday (December 1^st).

The adjustments are similar to restrictions on mart operations that were in place in June and before the country entered a second lockdown.

Level 3 in marts

2-metre social distancing must be enforced at marts, in addition to a range of detailed measures relating to staff, visitors and structures. Both staff and customers must wear face-coverings whilst on the premises.

Buyers can view stock in pens without prior appointment, subject to a minimum social distance of 2 metres.

Mart managers are required to submit a revised Covid-19 Level 3 standard operating procedure (SOP) to their Regional Veterinary Office.

Measures in place from December 1^st:

• You should not mix with any other households outside of those within your social bubble;
• Up to 25 guests can attend wedding ceremony and reception;
• Maximum of 25 mourners at funerals;
• No organised indoor gatherings should take places – Gatherings of 15 people may take place outdoors;
• Non-contact training only outdoors in pods of up to 15 – No exercise or dance classes permitted;
• Non-essential retail and personal services may re-open;
• Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools may re-open – individual training only;
• People should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person;
• Nightclubs, discos, and casinos should remain closed – hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs may open with services limited to residents only;
• Public transport capacity is limited to 50%;
• People should stay within their country apart from work, education or other essential purposes;
• Households should not mic with a ny other households outside those within their social bubble;
• Museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas to re-open;
• Places of worship to re-open for services with restrictive measures, subject to review in January;
• Wet pubs to remain closed, except for takeaway/ delivery

From December 4^th:

• Restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants (serving a substantial meal may re-open for indoor dining with additional restrictions (including requirement for meals to be prepared on-site, inside the premises) This includes access for non-residents to restaurants in hotels;
• Higher, further, and adult education should remain primarily online.

From December 18^th to January 6^th:

• Households can mix with up to two other households;
• Travel outside your county to be permitted;
• Lastly, fom January 7^th, the measures implemented from December 1^st will apply, subject to ongoing review of the trajectory of Covid.