From Monday, you will need a valid Covid-19 vaccine certificate to enter these establishments

The government has announced a list of places and establishments where one requires a valid vaccination certificate to go into as from Monday.

The list is the final step before new regulations come into force on 17 January.

The establishments where a valid Covid-19 vaccine certificate must be presented are the following:

·         Bars

·         Clubs or Kazini

·         Restaurants

·         Snack bars

·         Cinemas

·         Theatres

·         Casinos, bingo halls or gaming parlours

·         Sports events

·         Gyms or fitness centres

·         Public swimming pools, spas and saunas

·         Organised mass events

·         Exhibitions

Establishments or event organisers who are caught not following the new regulations are liable to a €500 fine for every breach.

A vaccine certificate is considered to be valid for three months from the second dose, or nine months from the booster dose, with an exemption being in place for people who have recently recovered from Covid-19 and therefore were unable to get the third jab.

Those aged between 12 and 17 are currently ineligible for the booster and therefore only need to show the two-dose certificate, while those under the age of 12 are exempted from showing any certificate.

Women who are up to three months pregnant are also exempted, as is anyone who had a reaction to the vaccine and has a certificate from their doctor or public health confirming that they cannot take the booster for medical reasons.