![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/2.58905334.jpg\")
The Taoiseach has said he wants to ensure that when society reopens after the latest coronavirus lockdown, it stays open.<\/p>\nThe Taoiseach has said he wants to ensure that when society reopens after the latest coronavirus lockdown, it stays open.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin said he does not want to see any more \u201cstop\/start\u201d closures in the battle against Covid-19.<\/p>\n
He added that outdoors will be the theme for this summer.<\/p>\n
From Monday, non-contact outdoor sports activities, such as golf and tennis, can resume, outdoor visitor attractions, such as zoos, wildlife parks and pet farms, can reopen, and the maximum attendance at funerals will be increased to 25.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat outdoor theme is critical because we know that outdoor is less harmful in the context of the spread of this virus than indoor,\u201d Mr Martin told RT\u00c9\u2019s The Week In Politics program.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can understand that hospitality sector livelihoods are at stake, it\u2019s been devastated as a result of this pandemic, but anything we open now, we want to keep open.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to end this start\/stop close and many people in different sectors have said that to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said the Government\u2019s strategy is working in terms of controlling the virus.<\/p>\n
He said the next reopenings to be considered include outdoor sports, non-essential retail, hairdressing salons and religious services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to examine that for May and we hopefully will be able to do something on that in terms of May,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we understand the danger of indoor.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the summer, I think that outdoor has to be the theme.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just need to keep the pressure on this virus as we vaccinate \u2026 because the impact of the vaccines is transformative in terms of reducing mortality, reducing severe illness and indeed transmission as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe are moving cautiously and we\u2019re not letting rip for the summer. There are risks attached to decisions that we take, we have to balance this.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about doing the right thing to protect the Irish people, even if it makes for short-term unpopularity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very long lockdown, it\u2019s been very tough on people, but we had to get the numbers down and we have.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have taken the pressure off the hospital systems, which was a key target of ours. We have reduced the virus but it still is at levels that would be concerning if there was any significant increase.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin was also quizzed about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.<\/p>\n
Ireland is waiting for approval of that jab by the National Immunization Advisory Committee (Niac).<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach described it as a \u201cvery important vaccine\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said Niac can benefit from examination of the Johnson & Johnson jab in the United States and Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is reading and assessing all of that data prior to making its decision, and engaging with the chief medical officer,\u201d he said, adding that Pfizer and BioNTech are increasing vaccine supplies into the country.<\/p>\n
Another 160,000 doses of the AstraZeneca jab are also due to arrive in Ireland this week.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin, 60, said he will be registering for an AstraZeneca vaccination when permitted according to his age this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am looking to doing that and getting that vaccine whenever the date arrives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe evidence is strong in relation to AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson that the benefits outweigh the risks.\u201d<\/p>\n