The Government has moved to clear up confusion over whether new restrictions on indoor gatherings apply to cultural venues such as cinemas and theatres.

Indoor gatherings were limited to six people under new restrictions announced earlier this week.

But a clarification statement was issued this morning (20 August) after consultations with culture minister Catherine Martin and health minister Stephen Donnelly (pictured).

It said museums, cinemas, theatres and art galleries were deemed to be “controlled environments”, with appropriate protective measures in place such as physical distancing between people.

As a result, such venues can continue to operate with up to 50 people in attendance, as long as they continue to have protective measures in place.

Limited

“Individual groupings attending these venues must be limited to six people from no more than three households,” the statement said.

The limit of six people will continue to apply, however, to all other indoor cultural events.

No more than 15 people can attend outdoor cultural events.