Ministers will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer, the Taoiseach said.
Micheal Martin expressed concern about uncertainties surrounding new variants of coronavirus and high numbers of infections. Three cases of the potentially more infectious Brazilian mutation have been detected in Ireland. Mr Martin said: “We don’t foresee that (reopening pubs etc) before the middle of the summer. The biggest challenge we face is new variants as they could impact the vaccines. It’s sensible to open slowly, as the vaccines are coming. “What the public health authorities are saying is that we stick with this until end of April, then we reflect on the situation and make decisions about the months ahead.” He also told RTE that reopening the country will be a slow process. “There won’t be much of a change (after this phase) because the numbers are still too high,” he said.
“What we intend is to reopen schools gradually, it will be slow, we’ll be cautious, because we have to monitor the effect on the virus. “The biggest challenge we face is new variants as they could impact the vaccines. “It’s sensible to open slowly, as the vaccines are coming.” Meanwhile, the head of the Catholic Church has said people should be able to gather safely to mark Easter in Ireland. Ministers should also consider increasing the number of bereaved allowed to attend funerals during the pandemic, Archbishop Eamon Martin urged the Taoiseach. Mr Martin said his concerns will be given consideration. The Taoiseach met a group of bishops on Friday to discuss the church’s desire to return to worship during the season of Lent. The Taoiseach’s office said: “They shared their concern that life at present is particularly stressful and difficult for people to endure, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. “Recognising the spiritual comfort and hope that participation in public worship brings, the archbishops asked that public worship resume when an easing of restrictions is considered.
“They expressed a strong desire that people might gather safely this year for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter. “They also requested consideration of an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses.” The archbishops emphasised they wish to continue supporting the public health message and to encourage all necessary measures, including vaccination, to protect health and wellbeing, especially that of the most vulnerable. The Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at such time of stress and worry. His office said: “He outlined the ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants, stressing that any increase at all in mobility can have serious consequences for public health and put pressure on the health service. “In concluding, he said the concerns raised at the meeting would be given consideration.
“It was agreed to maintain dialogue as the situation evolves.”
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