NPHET is set to meet today to discuss what recommendations it will give to Government in regards to lifting Covid-19 restrictions.
Experts will discuss the current epidemiological situation before issuing advice to the Cabinet sub-committee which will meet to finalise what lockdown measures will be lifted.
After a Cabinet sub-committee meets to finalise the plans, Taoiseach Micheal Martin will address the nation where he will outline plans for lifting restrictions throughout May and further plans for the summer.
The Taoiseach has previously confirmed that the areas being examined by Government from May 4 beyond is the phased return of non-essential retail, personal services such as hairdressers. a full return to construction, allowing for places of worship to open, art galleries, museums and other public amenities as well as some outdoor outdoor attractions.
NPHET will tomorrow issue a recommendation to Cabinet on all of the above before Government meets to decide whether or not to accept the advice given by public health doctors.
No plan has been given for the return of the hospitality sector which is likely to see the biggest push back from NPHET given that there is still a relatively high level of infection across the country.
However Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has previously said that there is reason to be optimistic for the summer.
Micheal Martin has said that the Government will examine the possibility of reopening hotels and B&B's in the month of June.
Meanwhile there are hopes that outdoor dining might return
Speaking this morning the Taoiseach said: “We will look at hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in the month of June.
“We will make a comprehensive announcement on it tomorrow.
“The virus has devastated many areas of our economy. We are very conscious of that.
“Whatever we reopen we want to keep it open. That is the challenge. We are dealing with a very transmissible variant here.
“It’s about balance and being proportionate. It’s still out there – 400 cases a day.”
