The Irish government has decided to postpone the lifting of certain restrictions against the coronavirus, in particular the resumption of indoor catering, in the face of the progression of the Delta variant, Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced on Tuesday (June 29).
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If as planned from July 5, the number of people who can attend a wedding will increase to 50, "
the return of other indoor activities
", including catering, "
must be postponed,
" said Prime Minister Micheal Martin during a speech. Given the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, scientists advising the government advocate limiting access to indoor catering to fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from being infected with the coronavirus, he said. Explain.
The postponement aims to allow the government to put in place a system to verify the vaccination or immunity of clients, the government said in a statement. A plan for the implementation of such a system must be drawn up by July 19, the text specifies, "
after a more in-depth examination and consultation of the sectors concerned
". "
We are in a race between the variant and the vaccines,
" stressed Micheal Martin, "
and we want to do whatever we can to make sure the vaccine wins
." In total, four million doses have been administered in the country of five million inhabitants, he said.
After several months of confinement, Ireland had authorized the reopening of non-essential businesses in May.
The Irish government, which decided in April to reserve the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over 60 because of fears of rare cases of blood clots forming, has also taken note of the new recommendations of its commission responsible for advising it in its campaign. vaccination.
This commission recommends that the Anglo-Swedish vaccine, as well as its single-dose counterpart Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) can be used for 18-49 year olds who wish it.
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A reduction to four weeks - compared to eight at present - of the interval between the two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine is also recommended. This opinion must be examined "
in the coming days
", specifies the Irish government in its press release. According to the latest figures released on Monday, Ireland has registered 305 new cases, for a total of 271,589, and has 4,989 deaths.
