A Clare Government TD believes the timeline for the easing of restrictions should be sped up.
NPHET will meet tomorrow to discuss easing remaining restrictions, ahead of the government’s roadmap being published next week.
The Health Minister says all restrictions could be lifted before Christmas.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting tomorrow to discuss it’s recommendations ahead of an announcement by Government on the easing of restrictions next week.
The number of people in ICU with Covid-19 is at its highest level in more than four months, but the Health Minister says he anticipates all restrictions to be lifted this side of Christmas.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says it’s possible that mask-wearing may still be required for the foreseeable future.
If the green light is given, it would mean that nightclubs could re-open and live events could resume.
It’s expected there’ll be measures to allow workers return to the office, with changes to social distancing requirements, while one-metre social distancing in schools could also be prioritised.
Also on the agenda is the phasing out of wage and business supports by Spring.
Clare’s Independent TD, Scariff Deputy Michael McNamara is sceptical though, that a big re-opening can go ahead during the winter.
Clare’s Fine Gael TD wants to see the timeline for the easing of restrictions sped up.
Clarecastle Deputy Joe Carey says while he understands the frustration of those in the entertainment industry, the Government has to respond to public health advice.
But he’s confident that a clear timeline for a sustainble re-opening of activites for the live entertainment cultural and arts sector will be laid out next week.
Following tomorrow’s NPHET meeting, the cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet on Friday to discuss recommendations, ahead of a full cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
