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29th Mar 2021

NPHET will make recommendations today on whether Covid-19 restrictions can be eased

Stephen Porzio

covid cases ireland

A government announcement on any easing of current restrictions is due tomorrow.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will make recommendations this afternoon in relation to what Covid-19 restrictions can be eased on Monday, 5 April.

Previously, the government had stated that any easing of restrictions on that date would be “very modest”.

While it’s believed that hairdressers, salons and restaurants won’t be reopening until at least mid-summer, the government has said over the past month that the construction sector could potentially return to work, the 5km travel limit could possibly be relaxed and more outdoor activities, such as sports training, could perhaps be permitted.

However, as Covid-19 case numbers have remained static in recent weeks, at around 500-600 per day, the likelihood of even those modest easing of restrictions has been thrown into doubt.

NPHET will examine whether they deem it safe to ease restrictions in these areas and then make recommendations to the government.

Senior ministers will then meet to consider NPHET’s recommendations on Monday night before a full cabinet meeting on Tuesday signs off on any decision.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is then expected to make a public address to the nation.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said previously that four factors will be considered when planning to reopen the country.

These are: case numbers being reported, Covid-19 vaccine progress, the risk of virus variants, and the level of hospitalisations.

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