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Ministers will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer, the Taoiseach said.<\/p>\nMinisters will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer, the Taoiseach said.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin expressed concern about uncertainties surrounding new variants of coronavirus and high numbers of infections.<\/p>\n
Three cases of the potentially more infectious Brazilian mutation have been detected in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said: \u201cWe don\u2019t foresee that (reopening pubs, etc.) before the middle of the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also told RT\u00c9 that reopening the country will be a slow process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere won\u2019t be much of a change (after this phase) because the numbers are still too high,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we intend is to reopen schools gradually, it will be slow, we\u2019ll be cautious, because we have to monitor the effect on the virus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge we face is new variants as they could impact the vaccines.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s sensible to open slowly, as the vaccines are coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the head of the Catholic Church has said people should be able to gather safely to mark Easter in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Ministers should also consider increasing the number of bereaved allowed to attend funerals during the pandemic, Archbishop Eamon Martin urged the Taoiseach.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said his concerns will be given consideration.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach met a group of bishops on Friday to discuss the church\u2019s desire to return to worship during the season of Lent.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach\u2019s office said: \u201cThey shared their concern that life at present is particularly stressful and difficult for people to endure, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecognizing 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey expressed a strong desire that people might gather safely this year for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also requested consideration of an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses.\u201d<\/p>\n
The archbishops emphasized 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.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people\u2019s lives at such time of stress and worry.<\/p>\n
His office said: \u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn concluding, he said the concerns raised at the meeting would be given consideration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was agreed to maintain dialogue as the situation evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n
All three cases of the Brazilian variant found in Ireland are directly associated with recent travel from the South American country, authorities have said.<\/p>\n
They are being followed up by public health teams and enhanced measures have been put in place.<\/p>\n
The variant could be much more contagious than the original version of coronavirus, officials say.<\/p>\n
It has undergone changes to its spike protein \u2014 the part of the virus which attaches to human cells.<\/p>\n
It first emerged in July.<\/p>\n
Around 90 per cent of Covid-19 cases in Ireland are associated with the UK variant.<\/p>\n
But numbers of new infections and pressure on hospitals has eased and the death toll has begun to abate following weeks of tough curbs.<\/p>\n
The Republic recently passed the grim milestone of 4,000 dead from the disease.<\/p>\n
Up to Wednesday, 4,174 people aged 85 and over had received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, the HSE said.<\/p>\n
The total number of first doses was 197,609 and second doses 113,291 \u2014 making an overall tally of 310,900.<\/p>\n