The Irish public are anxiously awaiting a major announcement from the Government by the end of August on how the country will finally lift all restrictions surrounding Covid-19.
Over 90% of the population are now vaccinated against the deadly virus - and it has led to calls for a full reopening from the hospitality sector and live musicians/entertainers.
However, the five-day moving average of new Covid cases is now approaching 2,000, leaving both NPHET and the Government with a big decision.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to publish a new reopening plan next week which will set out a timeline with dates from mid to late September.
What has NPHET said?
Members of NPHET will address the media on Tuesday afternoon, so we'll find out a little more about their future plans.
But what we know so far is that Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and NPHET members will meet on Wednesday for crunch talks before writing a letter to the Government with their advice on what they believe would be a safe further relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
The letter from the CMO to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is expected between Wednesday night and Thursday before Cabinet Ministers will join Dr Holohan and HSE boss Paul Reid for a Cabinet sub-committee meeting on Friday.
The final roadmap will go to Cabinet next week to be signed off before Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses the nation.
What about the Government?
A senior Government source has said the further easing of restrictions around indoor sports, live entertainment and the return to workplaces will go ahead despite NPHET’s concerns.
The source admitted the number of people in hospital and in ICU will have a knock-on effect and “no doubt it adds pressure” to decision making but said that the rise in Covid-19 cases was “well flagged.”
They indicated the Government will proceed as planned with the relaxation of the remaining restrictions from mid to late September.
The source said: “There will be a comprehensive plan that will give a timeline with indicative dates for the return to the office, indoor sports and the live entertainment industry.
“This will be an Autumn and Winter plan for how to live with Covid and the roadmap will outline the next stages for lifting restrictions.
“Public health experts will give their advice and we already knew Covid cases would rise due to Delta but we’re nearly hitting the 90% fully vaccinated rate and that is a fairly important milestone to each.”
