Q&A: What's the latest around the big reopening?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a delay of at least two weeks to the return of indoor eating and drinking, amid concerns over the so-called Delta variant of Covid-19. File picture

Taoiseach Micheál Matin has announced that return of indoor eating and drinking has been delayed until at least July 19 amid concerns over the so-called Delta variant of Covid-19.

Here is what we know so far:

Q. What was due to happen originally?

A. From next Monday, indoor hospitality was due to reopen, with weddings to go to 50 guests, household visits up to three households and the return of communions, confirmations and baptisms.

Monday would also have seen the reopening of bowling alleys, snooker halls, amusement arcades, ice-skating/roller skating rinks and children’s play centres, indoor waterparks, as well as increases of crowds at indoor and outdoor events.

However, some elements of these plans - notably, the reopening of indoor hospitality - have now been delayed until an unspecified date, sometime after July 19.

Q. What is NPHET's issue with reopening?

A. NPHET's warning to the Government is stark and says that the Delta variant could, in fact, mean schools do not reopen in September, such is the difficulty of the situation.

In a "stark" and "grim" letter sent to the Government on Monday night, Nphet has predicted that we could see up to 2,170 Covid-related deaths across July, August and September as the Delta variant spreads across the country.

In a hammer blow to the hospitality sector, Nphet has also recommended that the Government should "pause" the reopening of indoor dining and drinking until they can put a "robust" system in place to prove that people have either been vaccinated or have immunity.

Q. Is the Delta variant dangerous?

A. While not necessarily more dangerous, the variant is more transmissible and the key is the race between its spread and the vaccine programme.

The Delta variant, formerly known as the Indian variant, was categorised as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on May 10.

Research from Public Health England has also shown that the Delta variant reduces the effectiveness of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines among those who have only received one jab, though protection is higher for those who have received both doses.

The Delta variant has a transmission rate between 40% and 60% higher than the alpha variant (B117), which already had a 50% higher transmissibility than the original strain of the virus.

Q. What is the Government saying?

A. In an address to the nation on Tuesday afternoon, the Taoiseach said the Government had taken the decision to delay the reopening of indoor hospitality on the back of the Nphet's "stark" advice. 

Taoiseach Micheál Matin addressing the nation at Government Buildings earlier this afternoon. File Picture

He said that the country was now in a race between the vaccines and the highly transmissible Delta variant and that the vaccines needed to be the winner. 

Mr Martin said he understood that many businesses and groups would be frustrated by the Government's announcement, but he stressed that the delay was the right thing to do, given the spread of the variant. 

He also stated that additional supports would be introduced for those affected by the delay.

Q. What has the industry said?

A. Adrian Cummins – the chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland – said that the group feels allowing just vaccinated customers into indoor dining would be “problematic” and “discriminatory”. Others have called for a rethink of the NPHET advice and point out that hotels are serving customers indoors.

Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurants Association of Ireland. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Q. What about weddings?

A. Mr Martin said that, given their special nature, attendance at weddings would increase to 50 next Monday as planned. Outdoor sports crowds will also increase from 100 to 200 as originally slated.

Q. So what happens now? 

A.

The Government has said that from July 5, there will be no limit on the numbers of people that can visit together once they are all fully protected by vaccination or have had Covid-19 infection in the previous nine months.

In line with current advice, unvaccinated households may have visitors from one other unvaccinated household.

People should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend in person.

However, indoor activities, such as organised events, return of service in bars and restaurants, group training, exercise and dance will not yet proceed, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity. 

The Government said it will devise an implementation plan by July 19, following further consideration and consultation with relevant sectors.