It’s thought indoor dining may be delayed to get more people vaccinated over concerns about the Delta variant.
NPHET will meet today to consider its advice to the Government on the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions from next Monday.
Business and hospitality groups are calling for clarity amid speculation the reopening of indoor hospitality could be delayed by a further 2 weeks.
There's growing concern about the rising levels of the Delta variant, which is more transmissible.
Everything moving into place for Govt to make a decision tomorrow about July 5 - no decision was likely until NPHET provided its mathematical modelling, nor until NIAC had offered input on whether to allow use of the AZ and J&J vaccines for under-50s, but both now expected today
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2021
The cabinet will make its final decision over the coming days.
Chief Executive of ISME, Neil McDonnell, says the uncertainty is causing chaos:
Professor of Immunology at DCU Christine Loscher says, however, that many people are still vulnerable.
The Cabinet is expected to postpone the further reopening of the country from July 5 to July 26 at the latesthttps://t.co/XSh2fT4jXR
— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) June 27, 2021
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says a two week delay won't mean the crucial tourist season will be over for restaurants.
CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, says indoor dining is open everywhere else in Europe.
A delay to the opening of indoor dining is "not inevitable" according to the Tánaiste.
NPHET will meet today to give advice to government on the spread of the Delta variant.
Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:
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