Taoiseach Micheál Martin has indicated that there won’t be further Covid restrictions on international travel.
And he would not say if people will have to leave the pub immediately after they countdown the New Year at midnight.
When asked if people will have to leave a pub on New Years Eve at midnight after the countdown, he said “we must trust people” but he would not comment further until the Government receives NPHET’s updated advice.
He said “All public health officials know the festive season is upon us..and flexibilities will apply..people have received the message, they understand the dangers and threats and I think have responded.”
He added: “We will overcome this [Omicron] as well.”
Mr Martin was speaking in Brussels following Tanáiste Leo Varadkar stating NPHET are expected to recommend new measures to the Government after they meet on Thursday.
But what may be a relief for many people hoping to travel home for Christmas, Mr Martin said “one doesn’t see specific travel measures in respect of Omicron.”
He said the emphasis will be placed on testing and the current pre-arrival test rule will remain in place if people want to enter the State.
He said: “We’re going to emphasise the importance of testing before you travel, tests before you engage in social activity..all designed to protect your loved ones, yourself and also participate that bit better in activities.
“One doesn’t see specific travel measures in respect of Omicron but I do think the key message has to be everywhere across Europe to redouble efforts, increase vaccination and particularly in relation to the booster vaccine without question, it gives significant additional protection to people from Omicron and reduce the prospect of serious illness.”
The Taoiseach also said that Minister Stephen Donnelly will announce the revised plan for the HSE which will represent a “stepchange” again in terms of the booster programme.
He said this will ramp up the booster programme and will utilise GPs, pharmacies and extending hours for additional vaccination centres.
Mr Martin said public health advice now is that “travel is no longer the primary tool in preventing spread although testing is still very important.”
He said there will be an emphasis on more testing and then “combining that then with the booster, they will be key pillars.”
He said: “Hospitals are down again today.
“The likelihood [is] they’ll go down for the next week and ICUs but now Omicron has arrived and the clear public health advice is it will spread more rapidly..
“The data is not there yet on how severe the impact will be on health..
“The view is that we’re so well vaccinated, that will give us protection as a country and give our people protection.”
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