Dublin still cautious over any easing of restrictions

IRISH Government plans to reopen the Republic are set to proceed at a much slower pace than expected over concerns about the continued high number of daily Covid-19 cases.

The Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 was given dire warnings last night by its National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and Health Service Executive about the transmission of the virus and the impact it will have on hospitals.

The Cabinet is now expected to postpone easing some restrictions next Monday and instead gradually lift them throughout April.

It was anticipated restrictions on travel, sport, outdoor gatherings and construction would be eased on April 5. However, a senior Government source said they expect restrictions to be eased gradually over the coming weeks so their impact on transmission of the virus can be assessed.

Last night, a Cabinet minister said the Government “didn’t lower expectations enough” as they prepared to discuss restrictions.

At the meeting in Government Buildings, ministers were given presentations from Nphet, the HSE and the Vaccine Taskforce.

Source said Nphet only wanted a minor easing of restrictions next month. The Path Ahead plan for easing restrictions committed to reviewing the 5km travel ban before April while also examining whether some outdoor activities, including sport could be permitted.

Its is expected the 5km travel ban will be lifted but it has yet to be decided how far it can be extended. However, senior Government sources have ruled out allowing inter-country travel.

Cabinet ministers are confident children will be able take part in non-contact sports training in pods of 15 next month.

Allowing people play golf and tennis is being given serious consideration as is permitting training for senior county GAA teams.

However, it remains unclear if sports activity will be allowed on April 5 or later in the month.

There are also discussions underway about allowing people socialise outdoors.

Two households are currently permitted to meet outside for exercise and the Government is now considering whether this can be extended to allow households socialise outside. This means people may be allowed meet in parks and beaches for picnics or coffees next month.

However, the warnings from Nphet may reduce the chances of any significant easing of restrictions on outdoors activities next Monday. Ministers have also committed to reviewing whether construction work can return in April.