The Taoiseach has warned against the country letting its guard down in the fight against the virus.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the government will set out Covid-19 advice for a six-week period from when current restrictions expire.
Level 5 restrictions are to be reviewed a week prior to 5 April, before the six-week plan is unveiled.
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, the Taoiseach attributed the “conservative” and “cautious” approach to easing restrictions to the risks associated with the UK or B117 variant.
He explained: “It’s not like the second wave or the first wave. This variant, the B117, spreads much more rapidly than original iterations of the virus.
“That is what is informing, yes, a very conservative and cautious approach to what is allowed and what is not allowed and the restrictions that are being put in place.”
The Taoiseach also said the high number of people in hospital and ICU with Covid-19 at the moment “remains a concern”.
He added: “If we let the guard down too quickly and this variant gets control again it will spread very rapidly.
“In the week leading into the 5th [April] we will have this situation reviewed.
“We will take advice from public health and we will then advise in terms of what we believe is the best way forward for the following six weeks after that.”
On Wednesday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar warned that any restrictions from 5 April will be “very modest“.
The construction sector could potentially return to work, the 5km travel limit could be relaxed and more outdoor activities may be allowed.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the Johnson and Johnson single jab Covid-19 vaccine will be approved by the European Medicines Agency today.
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