Business owners in the north west will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of a meeting involving Senior government ministers this evening which will finalise plans to further ease Covid-19 restrictions.
The cabinet sub-committee of Covid will consider advice issued by NPHET, which met yesterday morning.
It’s expected that the Taoiseach will tomorrow announce plans for the resumption of live entertainment, indoor dining and international travel.
Despite the National Public Health Emergency Team having some concerns about the Indian variant of Covid-19 sources say plans to re-open aviation, live events and indoor dining have been given broad backing.
The government still plans to trial live events next month with more held over the summer.
While it’s expected indoor dining will be allowed in July, the date has yet to be decided.
The parliamentary party meetings of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael saw a backlash to Failte Ireland restrictions on indoor dining last night – particularly the 105 minute time limit.
A number of TDs in both parties hit out at the measures – but Tánaiste Leo Varadkar warned of the need for caution, saying the risk of a fourth wave is very real.
The cabinet sub-committee on economic affairs will meet this evening to discuss the unwinding of COVID welfare supports before decisions at next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
While the sub-committee on COVID meets after that to discuss the easing of restrictions, ahead of formal sign off and announcement on Friday.
Former HSE director-general, Tony O’Brien, believes indoor dining should get the all-clear.
