'Volatile' Covid-19 situation puts reopening on April 5 in doubt

Empty streets on day 82 of the renewed level 5 restrictions, and the advice from officials that, despite the advent of vaccines, Ireland could be facing a fourth wave of the Covid-19 virus. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Government plans to begin the reopening of the country on April 5 are increasingly in doubt with the current Covid-19 situation being described as “volatile” and “precarious”.

Concerns are mounting that Ireland is facing into a fourth wave of the virus with the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) considering “enhanced” public health measures for regions where case numbers remain stubbornly high.