The country has welcomed what some described as “overdue” lifting of Covid restrictions, with the government now expected to follow NPHET advice to end most measures including the use of vaccine certs.
It’s being described as ‘Freedom Day” on social media after people celebrated the end of almost two years of lockdowns and restrictions that saw millions of lives impacted.
This is Ireland's "freedom day" – Martin won't call it that tomorrow – but from what's reported so far and from what I understand this is as close to a "big bang" return to normal as we are likely to see. Here's hoping it stays that way *crosses fingers*
— Brian Mahon (@_BrianMahon_) January 20, 2022
I’m still a little astounded by this. Pardon my French, but it’s f**king great! #nphet #COVID19 https://t.co/mZNlcm5zif
— Kieran Cuddihy (@kierancuddihy) January 20, 2022
Any attempts to stagger the re-opening should be resisted, said one observer.
It now seems as if NPHET have indicated that most restrictions can be lifted.
Any attempt to artificially stagger the lifting, for no other reason than optics and projecting the impression of control, will backfire badly.
Do it tomorrow.
— Karl Brophy (@KarlBrophy) January 20, 2022
Some called for TDs to be held to account for what they perceived to be an excessive response
Great news for Ireland tonight, long overdue.
I will never forgive the politicians and will support any means by which we can bring them to justice.
But thank God it's almost over.
Well done to everyone who kept the pressure on and opposed them every step of the way. #NPHET
— Graham Neary (@GrahamNeary) January 20, 2022
Great news for Ireland tonight, long overdue.
I will never forgive the politicians and will support any means by which we can bring them to justice.
But thank God it's almost over.
Well done to everyone who kept the pressure on and opposed them every step of the way. #NPHET
— Graham Neary (@GrahamNeary) January 20, 2022
Peadar Tóibín said that one lesson was that hospital capacity needs to be increased.
The significant U-turn from Nphet & the Gov on restrictions & the Covid Pass is welcome.
However the cost of restrictions in terms of lives, physical & mental health, jobs & the tens of billions of euro of debt cannot be ignored ever again.
Hospital capacity must be increased.
— Peadar Tóibín TD (@Toibin1) January 21, 2022
Others said that the authorities’ reaction to the pandemic “didn’t protect us in the round”, though the government argued that public safety measures were required.
Hope we never experience a reaction like this to a pandemic again.#NPHET
Tony, Micheál & Leo of the Abundance of Caution camp didn't protect us in the round. I think we will look back and see that, plain as day. https://t.co/7W0etFqQxg— Máire Ní Bheirn (@mobyrne100) January 20, 2022
There were plenty of people ribbing the media.
Please light a candle tonight for Pat Kenny , Covid Claire , prime time presenters, R.T.E , Shane Coleman , Joe Duffy , PJ Covid Coogan , Matt Cooper & Fergal Bowers .. all upset that NPHET have said give it up lads we had a good run , time to actually start reporting on news .
— Niamh Leahy (@devlingirl) January 20, 2022
And the Irish Catholic editor, Michael Kelly, posted this tongue-in-cheek comment.
Spare a thought for the zero-Covid crowd…can’t be an easy evening.
— Michael Kelly ن (@MichaelPTKelly) January 20, 2022
Meanwhile, the Claire Byrne show was urged to read the public mood.
Should we keep wearing masks after the other restrictions are lifted?#cblive
— Upfront with Katie Hannon (@RTEUpfront) January 20, 2022
Ah, come on Claire! Time to share the joy that we can finally wave goodbye to all these restrictions on normal life. It's very good news. @TodaywithClaire #cblive
— Paul71 (@Paul71) January 21, 2022