VACC IN THE PUB BY END OF MONTH
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PUNTERS could be back drinking inside pubs before the end of this month, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar indicated yesterday.
Legislation will be worked on by officials over the weekend so it’s ready to be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday.
People who have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to eat and drink indoors and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous nine months will be permitted inside too.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan also confirmed vaccine passes are due to be issued from Monday for these two groups.
July 26 has been earmarked as the realistic date for reopening indoor pubs and restaurants.
Mr Varadkar said the industry has told the Government it wants to reopen as soon as possible and added it would be July 19 at the earliest and July 26, the latest, before the green light was given. He was speaking at the RDS count centre yesterday during the Dublin Bay South by-election.
The Tanaiste said emergency legislation will be needed to adopt the current policy.
He pledged July 19 is a target the Government will try to reach but admitted this would be difficult.
Mr Varadkar said he thinks fresh legislation could be enacted before July 26 and a date between July 19 and July 26 is likely.
He told the Irish Mirror: “We haven’t agreed to a date yet so the plan is to bring the proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday, that will enable us to open indoor hospitality in line with NPHET guidance.
“That obviously has to get through the Dail, has to get through the Seanad and we have to ask the President to sign it and we have to do some regulations too.
“Probably some day in between July 19 and 26 so July 19 at the earliest, July 26 at the latest.”
It comes as the latest figures from NPHET show Covid cases reached their highest since April with 631 new infections confirmed.
The latest Department of Health figures show 50 patients are being treated in hospital while 15 of those are in intensive care units around the country.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said yesterday rising infections are a worry and urged the public to heed health advice.
He added: “We are reporting over 600 confirmed cases for the first time since late April.
“This is a cause of concern and shows this disease is prevalent in the community again.
“We know there is a lot of worry and frustration out there, particularly for young people who have had significant parts of their lives put on hold.
“We ask if you are not yet vaccinated to hold firm to the public health advice as you await your vaccine.
“Please continue to manage your contacts, meet outdoors and avoid
crowds.”
Plan is to bring a proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday
LEO VARADKAR
DUBLIN YESTERDAY