The Tanaiste says he’s hopeful we will be able to take foreign holidays by Summer 2021.
Leo Varadkar says he also expects matches and outdoor concerts to take place next year too.
It comes amid further warning from health professionals in Clare that complacency could lead to a surge in cases in January.
The Tánaiste says 2021 will see the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s expected the vaccine programme will be rolled out here from January next year, paving the way for a further reopening of the economy and society.
Leo Varadkar expects restrictions will move to Level 1 or 2 by next Easter, before life begins to return to normal.
He hopes large gatherings will be able to go ahead by summer, and also says he’s looking forward to foreign travel by the second half of next year.
Despite this optimism, one prominent Clare GP is among those warning that complacency could lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases here and across the country over Christmas and into the New Year.
NPHET says it’s unlikely we’ll avoid a significant surge of coronavirus in early January, with officials indicating daily case numbers won’t fall any further before the festive period.
Ennis GP, Dr Maire Finn says it may not be the promise of a vaccine that causes people to drop their guard, but their need for social contact.
