The majority of Covid-19 restrictions came to an end today after almost two years of regulations that have affected every aspect of daily life in the pandemic.
The 8pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants has been scrapped, paving the way for the hard-hit hospitality sector to resume normal trading hours this weekend.
Digital vaccine passes will no longer be necessary for hospitality venues, and limits on the number of people allowed to attend events including weddings have been removed. A return to workplaces will begin from next week, and rules around socialising with other households have been removed. Nightclubs are allowed to reopen.
The requirement to wear masks on public transport and in shops will remain, as will protective measures in schools. People with