Big decision on indoor drinking and dining for Government tomorrow

COVID Cabinet will consider NPHET recommendation

The National Public Health Emergency Team has been meeting to consider what advice to give to the Government in relation to the easing of restrictions, scheduled to come into effect on Monday of next week, July 5.

The hospitality industry is awaiting nervously amidst all the rumours at to the recommendation's contents.

Jonathan McDade, of Drinks Ireland said: “The yo-yo approach last year, which saw pubs open and close either nationally or regionally five times with very little notice, was logistically challenging and had massive financial consequences for brewers. This is something we expressed to Government time and time again, and something we hoped would never happen again. With the July 5th date set, the sector finally had some clarity, and indeed notice, to brew beer, deliver kegs and clean lines.

“We are calling on Government to consider the significant financial and economic consequences of delaying the reopening of pubs when making its decision."

Other options mooted by commentators today speculate their may be a restricted reopening , which would involve having services for people who are vaccinated.

Following their meeting this evening, NPHET will make a recommendation to the Government. This will be considered by the Cabinet Covid committee at 9.30pm this evening, ahead of the Cabinet decision tomorrow.

The Tanaiste has said that it is not inevitable that there will be a delay to the planned reopening of indoor services in restaurants and pubs.

This day next week was also designated to see the holding of Holy Communions and Confirmations and Baptisms and weddings with up to 50 people in attendance at the reception.

Now with mounting concerns over the possible spread of the more easily transmissible Delta variant, doubts remain over what will get the go ahead.

A NPHET member said earlier today that a two week delay would reduce a possible rise in case by 10%.

“That is not an awful lot – we will have to see all the advice – receive the presentations today and tomorrow and make a decision,” said the Tanaiste Leo Varakar.

Over 4 million vaccines have now been administered in the country, after 350,000 were delivered last week alone. This means that over 65% of eligible adults have now received one dose and with 41% fully vaccinated.

Professor Luke O'Neill said today “the big question is, could the Government say, that if you can prove you are vaccinated, you will be allowed into an indoor setting or not – how feasible is that and we really don't know. I guess at the moment they are examining that. If it is possible to show you are fully vaccinated, then I don't see why you can't dine indoors.”