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The government’s plans to reopen the country are set to advance at a much slower pace than expected due to concerns about the continued high number of daily Covid-19 cases.
The Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 received serious warnings from Nphet and the HSE last night about the transmission of the virus and the impact it will have on the health service.
Nphet warned that any major lifting of restrictions in the coming weeks could result in another significant wave of Covid-19 cases that could last until mid-summer.
With the daily case rate still stubbornly high, he urged not to ease restrictions for the next four to eight weeks as it could jeopardize progress made in controlling the virus.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn made a presentation to a cabinet committee on Covid-19, which sources at the meeting described as “bleak.”
One source said Nphet wants to significantly delay easing restrictions for another four to eight weeks to reduce the risk of another wave of the virus.
Another source at the meeting said that Nphet urged the ministers to “stand firm.” The source admitted that next month there will only be a gradual easing of “very few restrictions”. “I think we didn’t lower our expectations enough,” the source said.
Nphet warned that if the health service loses control of the virus now, it could result in a wave of new cases that could last until the summer.
This would jeopardize plans to allow the hotel industry to open up during the summer months.
It would also mean that there would be no economic boost for the tourism industry, as no stays would be allowed if Covid-19 transmission remains high.
The UK variant remains a serious concern for Nphet, the HSE and the Government.
The Cabinet Committee is considering easing the 5km travel ban, allowing more outdoor activities, including sport, and allowing construction workers to return to the sites.
The restrictions on travel, sports, outdoor gatherings and construction were anticipated to be eased on April 5.
However, it now appears that any lifting of Covid-19 regulations will take place gradually throughout April.
This likely means that construction work will not be fully returned next week but will be done gradually over the next month.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is looking for residential development to return next week, followed by commercial construction at the end of the month.
A senior government source said they expect the restrictions to be gradually eased over the next few weeks so that their impact on the transmission of the virus can be assessed.
At the meeting in government buildings, ministers received presentations from Nphet, the HSE and the Vaccine Task Force.
Sources at the meeting said Nphet only wanted a slight easing of restrictions next month. The Path Ahead plan to ease the restrictions promised to review the 5km travel ban by April and at the same time examine whether some outdoor activities, including sport, could be allowed.
The 5km travel ban is expected to be lifted, but how far it can be extended has yet to be decided. However, high-level government sources have ruled out allowing travel between countries.
Cabinet ministers are confident that children will be able to participate in non-contact sports training in groups of 15 next month.
Irish independent
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