Cabinet are set to meet this afternoon to sign off on the removal of most Covid-19 restrictions, allowing for the reopening of nightclubs and large indoor gatherings.

Health officials from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) last night recommended the ending of most Covid-19 restrictions in the coming days, which came as a surprise to much of the public.

After almost two years of restrictions, NPHET has indicated that an end is in sight for Ireland - with England going so far as to remove the rule regarding face coverings in public places and Covid passes.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan advised government that there is no longer a public health rationale for the majority of Covid-19 measures.

Going further than many anticipated, the health group did not recommend the continued use of vaccine passes in most venues, and advising that working from home can end on a phased basis. Any nightclubs that remain viable will also be permitted to reopen under the new plans.

Cabinet will meet this afternoon to sign off on the newly formed plans, with an announcement expected from the Taoiseach at 6pm. The timeframe for unwinding all restrictions has yet to be finalised, but many were pushing for all restrictions to be eased in time for this weekend to maximise hospitality profits. The 8pm closing time for businesses has understandably put a dent in an already struggling industry.

In a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, NPHET suggested the end of two-metre social distancing, as well as the removal of caps on event attendance, guidance on household visits, and restrictions on hospitality whenever the Government decides on an appropriate timeline.

In recent days, the number of cases has declined sharply, with 10,571 confirmed yesterday, including both PCR-confirmed and self-reported antigen tests. Many immunology experts have said that we have surpassed Ireland's peak, much like the UK did two weeks ago.

The number of people hospitalised with the virus stands at 910, which is a reduction of 14 since Wednesday; of those being treated in hospital, the number of people in intensive care units remains unchanged at 90.

The advice does suggest that mask-wearing, isolation for symptomatic cases, and Covid passes for international travel will remain in place but a return to full capacity sporting events is on the cards.

It seems apparent that most restrictions will be lifted from next week rather than this weekend.

Donall O'Keeffe of the Licensed Vintners Association said pubs are "ready and waiting" to open their doors, while Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland echoed this sentiment, calling for a full reopening of hospitality from tonight.

🚨Statement

In light of NPHETs Public Health advice to stand down many of the COVID restrictions - the Restaurant’s Association of Ireland @RAI_ie is calling on the Government to allow All Hospitality businesses trade as normal from tomorrow Friday 21st January

— Adrian Cummins 🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@adriancummins) January 20, 2022

Of course, the news is not viewed as positive by everyone, with immunocompromised people understandably expressing fears for their own health as a result of the restrictions easing. Masks are still hugely valuable in preventing the virus, which can cause Long Covid and various other long-term health effects for many.

Ah yes. And immunosuppressed people and the fact that we can’t actually track the covid cases in schools because of lack of PCR availability can just be ignored. Why worry? The persistent lack of consideration and value attributed to people who are not able bodied is gross. https://t.co/YYMxpfl3fC

— Orla Tinsley (@orlatinsley) January 20, 2022

Yesterday morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin had hinted that many restrictions were set to come to an end.

"The situation is positive. We have come through Omicron better than we might have expected prior to Christmas," he said.

The Taoiseach he will give a "clear and comprehensive statement about what lies ahead both in the short term and in the medium term" after the Cabinet meets today at 3pm.

"I think we can look forward to an earlier lifting of restrictions than we might have anticipated," he said.

🚨 NPHET has advised Govt that almost ALL current Covid-19 restrictions, including caps on events and the use of vaccine certs, can be stood down - and left it to Government to decide on dates.

Ministers to consider timetable for relaxations tonight and tomorrow @VirginMediaNews

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) January 20, 2022

Northern Ireland will also be removing all of its Covid regulations, First Minister Paul Givan confirmed yesterday. The ban on six households meeting lifts today, while nightclubs can reopen from January 26th in the region. Covid passes for hospitality venues will also be eased.