Planned easing of restrictions on May 4 now a 'slam dunk'

Micheál Martin signalled that the proposed changes for May are still on track. Picture: Julien Behal Photography 

The country has "turned a corner" in its battle against Covid-19 and a more optimistic timescale for opening the economy may now be considered, Cabinet ministers have indicated.

In spite of the vaccines chaos earlier this week, ministers say that the reduction in Covid-19 deaths and cases has been such that the planned easing of a number of restrictions on May 4 is now a "slam dunk".