Phase one of roadmap ‘reason to hope, not a cause for celebration’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to media about about the first phase of the Government’s roadmap for lifting restrictions following a Cabinet meeting yesterday. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

As the country enters phase one of its roadmap to reopening on Monday, there are warnings that face masks are not a “magic shield” from Covid-19 and that there will be teething problems.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to return to work and shops and outdoor amenities will re-open. Small gatherings will be allowed while a number of non-contact sports will also be permitted.