Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the government decided to keep gyms, golf clubs, tennis clubs and churches open for people’s “mental, physical and spiritual health”. Speaking on Newstalk following the government announcement that the country will be under Level 5 restrictions, Mr Varadkar defended keeping gyms, churches and some sports clubs open. Although gym and exercise classes will not be permitted, individual training will be allowed- unlike in the last Level 5 lockdown. The travel ban from Britain- due to the rising case numbers and new strain of the virus there - is being extended to December 31. This news comes as 970 more Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland today with 13 more deaths from the virus.

Source: Irish Independent December 22, 2020 18:23 UTC