A “slow” reopening of the country as Covid-19 restrictions loosen will help avoid setbacks and a fourth wave of the disease, the Tánaiste has said.
The Irish Times reports that Leo Varadkar said setbacks in the Government’s reopening plan could be avoided by “going slowly” until more than half the population is vaccinated.
With this view, the Government is set to resist pressure to accelerate the planned summer reopening of the country as case numbers remain high and only 25 per cent of the eligible population has received a first vaccine dose.
“The Government will meet this Thursday to set out a clear plan for easing restrictions in May. There will also be a clear indication of what June and July are going to be like,” Mr Varadkar said last night.
“Our absolute goal is to avoid a fourth wave of hospitalisations, and of deaths, in Ireland. The experience from Christmas and the situation in India shows how quickly this virus can take over.
“We also see from Israel just how effective vaccines are. There is still a lot of uncertainly ahead and the road will be bumpy but things are going in the right direction. By going slowly until more than half of the population is vaccinated we are taking the best course of action to avoid a major setback.”
Summer reopening
The Cabinet will this week announce what sectors are likely to reopen throughout May, June, July and beyond.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier on Sunday that “outdoor is the theme for the summer”.
A formal announcement will be made on Thursday, following a special Cabinet meeting and advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team on Wednesday.
The resumption of construction, the reopening of hairdressers and personal services, the phased return of retail and the return in-person religious services have been earmarked for the month of May.
Sources say Government plans are on track to allow for the reopening of guesthouses and hotels in the month of June, and to lift the ban on travelling outside county boundaries at the same time.
It is thought indoor hospitality will only fully resume some time in July.
It comes as a number of Covid-19 restrictions ease from today, as outdoor sports facilities, such as pitches, golf courses and tennis courts, can reopen, along with zoos, open pet farms and heritage sites.
Underage non-contact outdoor training can recommence in pods of 15 or fewer, and the maximum attendance at funerals will increase to 25.
Here is what we know about the plan.
From Monday, April 26th
Outdoor attractions: Outdoor visitor attractions reopen, such as zoos, open pet farms and heritage sites. Indoor areas will remain closed, and hospitality will only open for takeaway services. Capacity limits will be in place and amusement parks will not be permitted to open.
Sports: Outdoor sports facilities reopen, such as pitches, golf courses and tennis courts. Activities should take place between a maximum of two households and there will not be any return to team sports or training activities.
Sports: Underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 recommences for all exercise activities that can be delivered outdoors, including dance.
Gatherings: Funeral attendance increases from 10 to 25 on compassionate grounds.
From May 4th
Retail: Non-essential retail will return on a phased basis, beginning with click-and-collect and outdoor retail such as garden centres.
Personal services: Businesses such as hairdressers will reopen on a staggered basis.
Attractions: Museums, galleries and libraries will reopen.
Gatherings: Religious services will recommence on a staggered basis.
Construction: All activity will fully resume.
June
Hotels: Sources say Government plans are on track to allow for the reopening of guesthouses and hotels in the month of June.
Domestic travel: Sources have also indicated the ban on travelling outside county boundaries could lift in June.
July
Hospitality: It is thought indoor hospitality could fully resume at some point in July.
The level of restrictions to be in place over the summer months will depend upon Covid-19 data and the progression of the vaccination programme.
Meanwhile, it is expected that India will be added to the State’s hotel quarantine list either today or tomorrow, while the National Immunisation Advisory Committee is expected to meet today to consider use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
