Taoiseach Micheal Martin Gives Covid-19 Vaccine Schedule And Says When Ireland Could End The Virus

The Taoiseach said that the WHO (World Health Organization) informed him that a vaccine could be found by spring next year.

Mike Ryan of the World Health Organization believes there will be a vaccine in April, but it will take time to manufacture and launch, Martin added.

Martin believes that the full impact of the virus will be with us in Ireland throughout the year 2021.

He is encouraging the Irish to “persevere” because science and research “will get through this, as they have with other viruses.”

He said: “I think we could get vaccinated, maybe, in the middle of the year.

“The full impact of the virus will be with us throughout the year, I think, that’s my opinion and it’s a sobering idea.”

“That is not final. They gave me a date around March / April, it could be a time when that would crystallize, but again there would be a problem in manufacturing,” he added.

Dublin is at risk level three in the government’s plan to tackle the virus.

Martin warned that without further “urgent and decisive action” there was a very real threat that Dublin could return to the worst days of the crisis.

Operation Fanacht de la Garda in Dublin City and County resumed at midnight with a high level of visibility from officers planned on foot, by car and by bicycle, to support public health guidelines.

The restrictions are expected to last three weeks.

Residents should not travel out of the county for non-essential travel.

People outside of Dublin are advised not to travel to the county except for work, education and other essential purposes.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the goal is to get Dublin back to level two and the lockdown at Kildare, Laois and Offaly worked.

It says that we have reduced the number of Covid-19 hires before and that we can do it again.

The Cork native said the numbers “are growing exponentially” and is concerned.

Water pubs were allowed in all counties except the capital because the situation outside Dublin is different.

He said reports that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) wanted to put Dublin at Level 4 “certainly weren’t communicated to us.”

He told Brendan O’Connor on RTE Radio One: “Our goal is to get back to Level 2 in Dublin, we have to really focus on adhering to the guidelines and the rules.

“That is the best way to avoid Level 4.”

“There is also a big economic problem here that we cannot ignore.”

NPHET said they are very concerned about the growing number of Covid-19 across the country, but did not recommend going to Level 3.

Martin said the virus had affected lower-income workers more than higher-income workers.

He said, “We’re going to have to review some of this in light of a nine to 12 month time frame.

“On the positive side, Europe wants to continue to support member states during this crisis.”

The pandemic unemployment payment will be kept “under review” and rates will be moderated if necessary.

He feels that they should also consider sector-specific measures.

Martin added: “I would like us to do more for the arts through schools.

“I told Norma Foley to look to employ artists in schools. Children will benefit, arts and culture will benefit, we keep artists working.

“We have to create new areas of employment.”