The latest figures for Covid-19 cases in Ireland show a worrying increase of the Delta variant in Ireland with as many as 20% of cases reported last week being the new strain.
This has put the planned reopening of indoor dining in pubs and restaurants on July 5 under greater scrutiny.
That's due to the variants much higher transmissibility compared to previous strains and Delta's effectiveness in infecting people who've had just one dose of vaccine.
Currently, over 65% of the population have had one dose and over 35% have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Yesterday, CMO Tony Holohan warned that there was a worrying number of outbreaks of the new variant, which originated in India.
He said: "Today’s data show a concerning increase in transmission of the Delta variant in Ireland. We estimate that Delta accounts for up to 20% of cases reported in the last week. We have also seen a number of outbreaks associated with this variant reported in the last week."
What is the likelihood of indoor dining being delayed?
The Taoiseach has warned that people need to remain vigilant over the coming weeks in order for further restrictions to be eased.
He said: "There is a significant increase in the incidence of the Delta variant as a share of the overall incidence of the virus.
"We will obviously keep this under close monitoring and we all need to be very vigilant."
This week is going to be another big week for vaccinations across the country with tens of thousands of second doses being administered.
Leo Varadkar has also given his thoughts on the possibility of indoor dining being delayed.
According to Tanaiste, the reopening on July 5 is "still on track" even with the rising number of Delta variant cases.
But he's also issued a warning about the delta variant saying that there's "reason for concern" but not for "panic."
He said: "We’re still on track to ease restrictions further on the 5th of July, but we won’t be able to make a final decision on that until next Thursday when we see more data and we have the most up-to-date advice from NPHET."
