We are now half way through the Level 5 nationwide restrictions period.

As we get closed to the end of the nationwide restrictions, currently set to ease on December 2, all eyes on what that month might actually bring in terms of what the population will and will not be allowed to do. While it has not been confirmed what level the country might be moving back up to, or if it will be a nationwide move, but some preliminary statements have already been, such as Dr. Tony Holohan stating that he is "not expecting to recommend" Christmas drinks in pubs this year. However, one of the major talking points for most families around Ireland is whether or not they'll actually be able to see and visit each other on Christmas Day itself. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast on Friday morning, NPHET member and HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said: "We are in a position now as I said earlier, when you look at the whole spectrum of experience across Europe, we are now almost best in class in terms of reversing the trend. "So, I am really hopeful we will be in a position to go back to that. That we will have options. We will have a range of options that will allow for people to come together. But the better we perform now, the better that platform at the beginning of December, the more options we will have." When asked if families could visit each other on Christmas Day, Henry responded by saying he was "certainly hopeful" that this would be the case. READ NEXT: New rules on the sale of alcohol in Irish supermarkets are now in place