Ireland is due to see some easing of the current severe Level Five restrictions from April 5 as government leaders meet today to discuss changes.
NPHET will meet this morning before politicians convene to finalise the plans for next month and beyond.
And RTE News reports that Taoiseach Micheal Martin is also due to set out a longer term plan tomorrow for further lockdown easing in May and June which will include the return of outdoor dining for the hospitality sector.
This will potentially offer some hope to pubs and restaurants, however there will be no firm dates given.
Government officials are currently discussing the measures that will come into force at the start of next month as the current lockdown is due to be extended.
An extension to the 5km limit, outdoor gatherings and the phased return of construction are understood to be the main priorities.
However unfortunately it looks like bars and restaurants will remain closed until at least the middle of June - or possibly longer.
It is already accepted that the return of personal services, which encompasses hair salons, and indoor hospitality are not going to be recommended by NPHET, and so will not be considered by Cabinet.
A senior Government source told the Irish Mirror when asked about haircuts and pints: “I’m afraid they’re off the table for now, until mid-summer really.”
He added: “They are not in the running at all for next Tuesday’s announcement.”
And it is also almost certain that the reopening of personal services - such as hairdressers - and hospitality are firmly “off the table” according to one senior Government source.
The considerations on the table next week are now limited to the following five, in this order of priority:
Lift the 5kms travel limit
Expand limited outdoor gathering
Phased reintroduction of construction
Sports and training for kids
Adults’ outdoor non-contact sports like golf and tennis
A Cabinet Minister explained to the Irish Mirror how the priorities will play out.
He said that the “best-case scenario” is that all five will be announced as being eased from April 5th at the latest ‘State of the Nation’ address from Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
However, if case numbers do not improve, then the priorities at the bottom of the list will have to be dropped.
He added: “take them in order, knocking them off from the bottom if the numbers aren’t right.”
The source said that this means: “Golf is out if that happens, and other outdoor adult sports.”
Another Government source said there is a “keen” interest in getting the restrictions on children’s activities outside, number four on the list, eased on Tuesday.
