The Delta variant could throw a spanner in the works for further reopening on July 5th.
The hospitality industry will survive a delay in the easing of restrictions next month, according to a midlands hotelier.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting next week to discuss the risk posed by the Delta variant, before making recommendations about the scheduled resumption of indoor dining on July 5th.
Ray Byrne from The Wineport Lodge in Glasson feels the sector is able to manage now that outdoor dining is open:
An immunovirology expert says it's looking less and less likely that indoor dining will reopen on July 5th.
The Delta variant now accounts for an estimated 20 per cent of cases here, with the HSE warning that figure is likely to increase.
Professor of Immunovirology at UCC Liam Fanning says based on NPHET's cautious approach in the past, he's not optimistic about dining indoors next month:
Health officials need to reconsider allowing the use of the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines for younger people, according to the Taoiseach.
Micheál Martin believes the Delta variant has changed the balance of risk when it comes to using those vaccines.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is set to examine changing the recommendations for use for younger age groups.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that may be needed to keep up the pace of the roll-out through the summer:
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