Waiting for 90% of over-16s to be vaccinated could lead to 'unacceptable delay' in lifting restrictions

The Government is under increasing pressure to reopen live events after Dr Tony Holohan said outdoor events like Electric Picnic would not raise concerns if the attendees were fully vaccinated. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

A number of Cabinet ministers have reacted with a degree of frustration and anger to Nphet's demand that 90% of over 16s be vaccinated in order for restrictions to be fully lifted.

The advice is contained in a letter from chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

While nothing in Nphet's latest letter to the government is seen as a fatally undermining next week's re-opening plan, the demand that such a high degree of vaccination be needed could lead to an "unacceptable delay" in some sectors opening, ministers have made known this evening.

The Irish Examiner understands that Arts Minister Catherine Martin has told her Government colleagues that she feels the over 16s 90% vaccination threshold will lead to a delay for reopening for live music and arts events.

Ms Martin is examining the possibility of whether the music festival Electric Picnic can be made into a pilot event, similar to what happened with concerts in the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the All-Ireland hurling final.

As the vaccine rollout continues among younger people, Nphet has recommended that remaining restrictions should stay in place until at least 90% of over-16s are fully inoculated. Picture: Damien Storan/PA

The minister will table the idea at a Covid Cabinet sub-committee tomorrow with Government leaders, as well as exploring any legal issues around the launching the festival as a pilot event.

A spokesman for the minister said she "is exploring all options to facilitate the holding of the Electric Picnic festival, including designating it as a pilot event".

There has been contact between the promoters and her department. She is also examining legal issues surrounding the event going ahead and engaged in ongoing discussions with Cabinet colleagues, and studying the latest advice from Nphet.

The letter from Nphet "is much more conservative than we were expecting" a Government source told the Irish Examiner.

Officials had been briefing during the week that they expected the advice to "leave the bulk of decisions up to the Government".

Other Government sources have also expressed concern at the high bar being set by Nphet but insisted the plan to ease restrictions will proceed as planned with all limitations ceasing on a phased basis in the coming weeks.

1,866 Covid cases reported as ICU numbers hit highest level since April 

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said: "I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them." Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

A further 1,866 cases of Covid-19 have been reported as number of patients with the virus in ICU hits highest number since April 3.

As of 8am this morning, there are 331 Covid patients in hospital, up eight on yesterday. The number of those currently in intensive care has gone up by five in the past 24 hours to 61.

Chief Medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the ICU figures are of concern to many.

He said that while critical care is the last line of defence against the virus, there are a number of steps people can take to protect themselves and those around them from severe outcomes from Covid-19.

Dr Holohan reiterated the importance of vaccination as the best means of protection against the coronavirus. He assured that the vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective.

"There are still some people who haven’t yet taken up the opportunity of vaccination or, who have delayed receiving a second dose for various reasons.

"I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them."

The incidence rate of the disease is currently quite high in Ireland which means the risk of a person contracting Covid is greatly increased.

Dr Holohan said that vaccination coupled with adhering to public health advice will break the chains of transmission which in turn will drive down the incidence of Covid-19 in the community.