Easing of restrictions offers Ireland pathway out of pandemic – Coveney

Pembroke Street recently pedestrianised as part of the Reimagining Cork City Programme ahead of this summers outdoor trading. Picture Clare Keogh

A staged and incremental reopening of society next month offers Ireland a pathway out of the Covid-19 pandemic, Simon Coveney has said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the reopening is in line with public health advice.

“I think today is one of those moments when hope will start breaking through amongst society in Ireland, that there is a pathway out of this awful pandemic that we’ve been experiencing now for over a year,” he added.

“It’s staged, it’s incremental, it’s consistent with public health advice, but it is very hopeful.

“What we’re talking about now is staging decisions on the 10th of May, on the 17th of May, June 2, June 7.

“We can gradually move towards releasing people from the restrictions that they’ve been living within in their families and their businesses, their ability to be able to move around.

“We’re doing so in a way that I think shows that the gathering of pace within our vaccine programme, and the public’s understanding of Covid, and how to protect themselves from it, allow us to be able to move in a more hopeful direction.”

A staged and incremental reopening of society next month offers Ireland a pathway out of the Covid-19 pandemic, Simon Coveney has said. Picture: Damien Storan.

However, Mr Coveney warned that Ireland will have to adapt to any changes in the virus.

He said: “If we do see a spike, or if we see something that’s unexpected in terms of a new variant, or how this virus is behaving, well then, of course, we’ll have to adapt to that.

“But as the Taoiseach has said and as the Tanaiste has reinforced over and over again, this time we want to make sure that, as we go forward, in terms of easing restrictions, we don’t have to go back again.

“People will in May look forward to being able to have their neighbours outdoors in the gardens, for adults that want to go training again they’ll be able to do it, personal services like hairdressers by appointment will be possible again in a few weeks’ time.

“People will be able to go back to religious services, and intercountry travel will be possible for the first time in months.

“I hope we will be able to manage all of that change in a way that’s responsible, and as keeps a lid on the spread of this virus.”

Separately, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told a meeting of his own party last night that he wants a proposed plan for a phased return of aviation and international travel by the end of May. 

He said this is needed to retain jobs and Ireland's connectivity. However, the Tánaiste warned his fellow Fine Gael members that there is no guarantee this will happen.

Government to sign off on 'vaccine bonus'; new maternity rules for hospitals and June return for pubs 

Unvaccinated people will be allowed to travel across the country to visit vaccinated grandparents and parents from May under plans due to be announced today.

Shops, hairdressers, and religious services of up to 50 people will also return next month as part of a phased reopening of the country.

For pubs, the controversial €9 meal rule will be axed, meaning gastropubs and 'wet pubs' will open at the same time in June, however, restaurants and bars will only be allowed to serve customers outdoors until at least July. Picture: Clare Keogh

For pubs, the controversial €9 meal rule will be axed, meaning gastropubs and 'wet pubs' will open at the same time in June, however, restaurants and bars will only be allowed to serve customers outdoors until at least July.

Under a revised vaccine bonus, those who have been fully inoculated will be allowed to meet indoors with another household that has not yet received the vaccination — this will allow grandparents to meet children and grandchildren.

Meanwhile, a uniform nationwide approach to allow all partners of pregnant women and new mothers into maternity hospitals for scans and other appointments is expected to be announced today. 

Maternity units have now been contacted to ask that they factor in a decrease in community transmission and the fact that healthcare workers are now vaccinated.

The Cabinet's Covid sub-committee met last night to hammer out the finer details of the reopening plan, which will be signed off at a full Cabinet meeting this afternoon.

According to senior Government sources who were extremely upbeat last night, a “significant easing” of restrictions throughout May is on the cards after the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) approved the opening up of the country.

Cork City Council will begin to give permanent effect to pedestrianisation measures to facilitate outdoor trading as part of lockdown restrictions easing. 

Nphet recommended that measures be introduced from May 10, however, the Cabinet could decide to push this date forward to allow for easing of restrictions from May 4.

Under the Nphet recommendations, considerably more freedom will be granted from early next month, beginning with a return of outdoor adult training, hairdressers, and click and collect shopping.

After a long period for all, it seems that we are turning onto a much better road. We do so with our hospitals & health service in a better place, a rapidly scaling up vaccination supply and strong awareness from everyone of what works & the risks. Let's keep motoring. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) April 29, 2021

HSE chief Paul Reid said, "we are turning onto a much better road."

Mr Reid tweeted: "We do so with our hospitals and health service in a better place, a rapidly scaling up vaccination supply and a strong awareness from everyone of what works and the risks.

"Let's keep motoring."

Some of the other recommendations include:

Hospitality:

All accommodation including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, and hostels should reopen in June.

Outdoor dining and beer gardens will be allowed to operate from June. 

However, pubs and restaurants will not be allowed to serve indoors until at least July. It is understood that some leeway may be given to hotels, but people would have to prove that they are residents to dine indoors.

Vaccine bonus:

Three fully vaccinated individuals or households will be permitted to meet indoors from May. Those who have received the first dose of AstraZeneca could also come under the same guidance four weeks after they get the initial vaccine.

Fully vaccinated people will also be able to meet up with one other household that is not vaccinated provided they are not at risk of serious health difficulties.

Sport and transport:

Adult outdoor training will be allowed in pods of 15 from May.

Gyms and indoor swimming pools will reopen in June, however, no group classes will be allowed and instead individual sessions will be permitted. 

Public transport will increase to 50% capacity from May 10.

Religious services, funerals, and weddings:

Up to 50 people will be able to attend all religious services from May, provided they can socially distance. While 50 people will be allowed to attend religious wedding services, just six will be permitted to go to the reception if it is indoors. 

This number will increase to 15 for outdoor wedding receptions and a marquee will be considered as being outside. Indoor wedding receptions will increase to 25 people from June.