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Normality will not return for at least six months in Ireland, the Taoiseach said.
It could be May or June before mass vaccination produces a significant change, added Micheál Martin.
By the end of January, the health system should deliver three vaccines.
Martin said: “The first six months of 2021 we will see improvements, but we certainly will not see normality in the first six months.”
The European Union approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December.
The European Medicines Agency issued a provisional marketing authorization.
Residents of nursing homes are among the priority groups.
.@EMA_News have recommended the granting of a conditional marketing authorization for #Vaccine for COVID-19 Comirnaty, developed by BioNTech / Pfizer. @TheHPRA Executive Director Lorraine Nolan describes the regulatory process and why vaccines are safe pic.twitter.com/C4ihUoEzQw
– Department of Health (@roinnslainte) December 21, 2020
Mr. Martin said the initial phase would make a “significant difference” and protect the most vulnerable.
He added: “Certainly the manufacture of the vaccine will certainly increase, starting in March.”
Martin said May and June had been identified as “critical” months.
“Starting in the summer we will see a certain degree of normality, but I can’t be sure of that.”
He said December concerns about the emergence of the mutant strain of Covid-19 in parts of England had highlighted the continued uncertainty.
The Taoiseach expressed confidence in providing long-term vaccines.
“By the end of January he will have three shots and what I’m saying is conservative.
“I can also see a scenario where manufacturing increases more rapidly and where larger volumes of vaccines reach the member states more quickly, that’s a more hopeful scenario.”
The state entered its third lockdown on Christmas Eve when a series of restrictions were introduced.
Bars, restaurants, hair salons and beauty salons are closing in an attempt to quell the spread of the coronavirus.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has warned people that he expects the restrictions, which are subject to review, to last until early March.
Martin recognized that the future was uncertain.
“We can impact the virus as people, we can keep the pressure on it by reducing contacts.”
Under the new restrictions, retailers will be allowed to stay open, although they will be urged not to make sales after Christmas or January to keep store numbers low.
The gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools will remain open. Outdoor training can continue.
Sports matches cannot be held, except for elite ones.
Inter-county travel will be banned from St. Stephen’s Day.
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