Leo Varadkar has set out Ireland's five criteria for easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions going forward.
The Taoiseach was speaking in the Dail today as he warned that this "roadmap" to a new Ireland will be very gradual.
The five criteria for easing restrictions are:
- Progress of disease
- Healthcare capacity and resilience
- Testing and contact tracing capacity
- Ability to shield at risk groups, and
- The risk of secondary morbidity.
Speaking to fellow TDs, Mr Varadkar said: "People want to know when things are going back to normal, and I can inform the Dail that a plan is being developed to ease the lockdown - a roadmap to reopen Ireland, a roadmap to what will be a new normal.
"Unfortunately for those who would like an immediate return to a pre-Covid world, the easement of the current restrictions will be slow and gradual, and will be done in a stepwise tiered manner.
"It will require continuous effort to suppress and control the virus.
"Therefore the lifting of restrictions will not necessarily mirror the manner in which they were escalated."
He also expressed his concern that people who need medical help not related to the virus aren't seeking it, saying that "cancer hasn't gone away."
The Taoiseach will address the nation tomorrow where he is expected to extend the current measures, but will detail this 'roadmap' plan for returning to normal.
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