A government announcement on any easing of current restrictions is due today.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has warned government that any major lifting of Covid-19 restrictions now could result in a fourth wave of the virus.
According to reports following a meeting of NPHET on Monday and of the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 on Monday night, NPHET said that not enough people have been vaccinated in Ireland yet to substantially relax restrictions and advised instead on a four to eight week period of caution before restrictions could be eased to any significant degree.
Previously, the government had stated that any easing of restrictions on Monday, 5 April would be “very modest”.
The government is said to be considering a relaxing of the 5km travel limit, a return of outdoor sports where social distancing is possible and sports training for children, reopening construction and increasing the number of households that can meet outside.
However, following NPHET’s advice, according to reports, the government may not implement all of the above measures on the same date.
It is believed the government will instead opt for a phased basis approach, though the timing of the changes is yet to be decided on.
NPHET met on Monday morning before the Cabinet Covid-19 sub-committee convened to consider their recommendations.
A full Cabinet meeting will take place on Tuesday afternoon to sign off on any decisions, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin then expected to make a public address to the nation sometime after.
Meanwhile, hairdressers, salons and restaurants are not expected to reopen until at least mid-summer.
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