Varadkar warns that 'the pandemic isn't over' despite Nphet disbandment plans

Speaking to reporters in Tipperary at the launch of a Mid West Regional Enterprise Plan, the Tánaiste said: 'We have to be ready for a future spike or a future sting in the tail.' Picture: Damien Storan

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), will not be immediately disbanded, and he warned despite the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions “the pandemic isn't over”.

The Nphet advisory group, led by chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, has recommended that it be stood down, and that the requirement to wear masks should end, apart from in healthcare settings.