Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator believes public health advice must be at the forefront of any decisions on the easing of restrictions this week.
NPHET is meeting today to discuss its advice to Government, ahead of a cabinet decision tomorrow.
So-called ‘Freedom Day’ would see many of the last remaining rules lifted, such as limits on large gatherings and night-time openings for pubs and nightclubs.
But it comes against the backdrop of rising infection rates and hospitalisations, with 1,380 new cases confirmed yesterday, and 482 Covid patients in hospital.
NPHET is meeting today to advise the Government on the further easing of restrictions and its widely expected that the use of the Covid cert in hospitality settings will be extended.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has signalled that there will be a removal of quite a number of restrictions on Friday, but not all.
Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley is reassuring that there will be no going back to into lockdown, but he says regardless of what decision is taken, it will have an impact.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn is encouraging people to work from home where possible for the next couple of months, meanwhile, despite the phased return to offices that started in September.
But Clare’s Fine Gael Senator believes further incentives may be needed to encourage employers to allow staff to do so.
Senator Martin Conway believes a lot of progress has been made in terms of working from home.
NPHET will send its advice to Government following today’s meeting, with senior Minister and party leaders meeting tonight ahead of a full Cabinet meeting to sign off on any decision tomorrow.
