Dr Tony Holohan is “pleased” that Covid-19 cases are not as high as what was predicted weeks ago, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.
Mr Martin said the Chief Medical Officer gave a “ comprehensive presentation” to him this morning outlining the current situation in respect of the Delta variant.
He said Dr Holohan has signalled that the Government needs to have a proper winter plan in place to deal with the challenges the coronavirus might cause mixed with influenza.
But the Fianna Fáil leader said Dr Holohan is “overall pleased with the fact that the figures are not as high now as perhaps were predicted some weeks ago.”
Mr Martin added that although there is uncertainty with the Delta variant, he said: “I think the Chief Medical Officer is positive enough about the situation right now.”
The Taoiseach said the public still needed to continue to be cautious and careful and said we have to protect what sectors of society and the economy we have reopened.
He said there will be a number of Cabinet sub-committees on Covid-19 throughout August and that Government and public health officials will monitor the situation.
He said Dr Holohan is clear that the “key ingredient” to flattening the Delta curve is vaccination.
He added: “He made the point there is still uncertainty out there, in respect of the Delta variant and where things will go.
“But I think he made some interesting points, as I said earlier about the need to start planning for the winter period.. along with viruses and what Corona may produce in winter.
“Although he made the point that from a positive perspective, the behaviours we've now all learned in terms of mask wearing, in terms of social distancing will actually help us in that regard.”
