Irish genetics professor worried accelerated reopening could lead to another “surge” of Covid-19

An official announcement on the easing of restrictions is expected this evening.

An Irish genetics professor has expressed concerns that an accelerated reopening could lead to another “surge” of Covid-19 cases across Ireland.

Aoife McLysaght, a professor of genetics at Trinity College Dublin said that she doesn’t “understand what (the Government) are thinking” as a faster than expected reopening of the Irish economy is expected to be announced this evening.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast she said that a “further surge” could be on the cards if Ireland opens up too soon.

“I’m very worried about what is going to happen, the numbers are currently going up as we know, and in that context to talk about further reopening and an accelerated pace for that reopening,” she said.

“I really just don’t understand what they’re thinking.”

Presenter Ciara Kelly challenged the professor by saying that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is on board with the recommendations.

“The fact that the vulnerable are vaccinated is the game-changer,” Kelly responded.

The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 met on Wednesday night to discuss the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (NPHET) recommendations for the reopening of Ireland’s economy in the months ahead.

It is understood that NPHET gave the go-ahead for a major easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months, including the reopening of inter-country travel from 10 May.

However, NPHET noted that there should be no major easing of restrictions until that date at the earliest to allow Covid-19 case numbers to continue to come under review.