Ireland’s vaccination programme has proven successful so far with the online registration portal due to open for children aged 12-15 on Thursday, but when will we return to normality?
Industries such as entertainment and nightlife have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic, but as things begin to reopen abroad, many are left confused as to why Ireland has not followed suit.
However, people will have to wait a little while longer as a new roadmap expected to address a timeline for the reopening of live performance venues and nightclubs is not due to be finalised until early September.
TDs have called for the Taoiseach and his Ministers to move faster and make an earlier announcement on the reopening timeline.
They have also called for the removal of inconsistencies in the Covid guidelines.
Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said that although the vaccination programme has been successful, the government needs to "get back to the drawing board" in relation to some regulations.
The call comes after government officials attended an event hosted by former minister Katherine Zappone in Dublin’s Merrion Hotel.
He said: “It needs to revise regulations on Communions, Confirmations and weddings to make them more coherent and sensible and regain the confidence of the people after the controversy with the outdoor event in the Merrion Hotel.”
He added: “It must now also put a timetable in place for the entertainment industry outdoors, and a phased return, with a proviso, for indoor entertainment.”
UK
The UK have now lifted almost all of their restrictions despite the rise in Covid cases due to the Delta variant.
So far, 47 million people have received their first jab in the UK which is almost 90% of their adult population with 75% of adults fully vaccinated.
There is no legal limit on the number of people who can meet indoors, including private homes and public places.
Formal social distancing rules have come to an end and all businesses can now open including nightclubs.
France
Most facilities in France are also open including restaurants, cafes, pubs and nightclubs.
The French government have also expanded the use of the Covid pass to its residence. They will now have to show the pass to gain access to facilities.
Currently 55% of the French population are fully vaccinated.
Spain
Most regions in Spain have curfews with limited numbers for dining indoors and reduced capacity.
The country now has 60% of its population fully vaccinated. However, Spain continues to report thousands of new coronavirus cases.
According to the latest Health Ministry report, 21,874 new infections were recorded on Wednesday, and 71 deaths were added to the official toll.
USA
Cases of the Delta variant in the US have increased ninefold since the beginning of July and hospitalisations are now at their highest rate since February.
In most states bars, restaurants and hotels are all open for indoor dining with restrictions in place.
Half of all Americans are now fully vaccinated.
Ireland
The government have said they are confident that 90 per cent of the adult population will be fully vaccinated by September, with pharmacies beginning to administer the Pfizer vaccine from Thursday.
This will be a significant milestone and will allow for the reopening of sectors that have remained closed due to restrictions.
With 75 per cent of people aged 16 now also vaccinated and the portal opening to 12-15-year-olds, Ireland should be in an advantageous position when compared to fellow EU countries.
Normality in education will also return with the reopening of schools and colleges in September is expected to go ahead with in-person teaching.
Despite more than 1,800 new cases being recorded over the weekend, the highest reported since January, no extra measures will be implemented.
