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Normality will not return for at least six months in Ireland, the Taoiseach said.<\/p>\nNormality will not return for at least six months in Ireland, the Taoiseach said.<\/p>\n
It could be May or June before mass vaccination brings about significant change, Miche\u00e1l Martin added.<\/p>\n
By the end of January the health system should be delivering three vaccines.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said: \u201cThe first six months of 2021 we will see improvements, but we certainly not will see normality in the first six months.\u201d<\/p>\n
The European Union approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December.<\/p>\n
The European Medicines Agency issued a provisional marketing authorization.<\/p>\n
Nursing home residents are among the priority groups.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said that initial phase would make a \u201csignificant difference\u201d and protect the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cCertainly manufacturing of the vaccine will be ramped up, certainly from March onwards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said May and June had been identified as \u201ccritical\u201d months.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the summer on we will see a degree of normality but I cannot be definite about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said December\u2019s concerns over the emergence of the mutant strain of Covid-19 in parts of England had highlighted continued uncertainty.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach expressed confidence in vaccine supplies in the long term.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the end of January you will have three vaccines and what I am saying is conservative.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can also see a scenario where manufacturing ramps up more quickly and where higher volumes of vaccines goes to member states more quickly, that is a more hopeful scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n
The State entered its third lockdown on Christmas Eve as a range of restrictions were introduced.<\/p>\n
Bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons shut in a bid to stifle the spread of coronavirus.<\/p>\n
T\u00e1naiste Leo Varadkar warned people to expect the restrictions, which are subject to review, to last until early March.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin acknowledged the future was uncertain.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can impact the virus as people, we can keep the pressure on it by reducing contacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the fresh restrictions, retailers will be permitted to remain open, though they will be urged not to hold post-Christmas or January sales to keep numbers in store low.<\/p>\n
Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools will remain open. Outdoor training can continue.<\/p>\n
No sports matches can take place, apart from those at elite level.<\/p>\n
Travel between counties will be banned from St Stephen\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n