Restrictions ease
The Cabinet has signed off on a plan to significantly ease Covid-19 restrictions over the coming weeks.
It is understood that the new reopening plan involves the four key dates of May 10th, May 17th, June 2nd and June 7th.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to confirm the dates and details later this evening.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the planned easing of restrictions would be a “big step in the right direction” and would bring a “lot of much-needed relief” to people across the country.
International travel
The DAA, which operates Dublin and Cork airports, recorded a loss of €284 million last year due to the impact of the pandemic.
Passenger numbers at two airports fell by 78 per cent to just 7.9 million in 2020, compared to 35.5 million in 2019.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Wednesday evening that the Government must have a plan in place by the end of May for the phased return of international travel.
Revised vaccine rollout
The HSE is working on a revised plan for the Covid vaccine rollout, following changes in advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the plan will continue to proceed based on age, with the latest version expected early next week.
It has been suggested that the restriction of the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson jabs to people over 50 could see younger people moved up the queue.
Mother and baby homes
Gardaí have appealed to survivors of Mother and Baby Homes to contact them if they wish to report crimes related to pregnancy or abuse in the institutions.
A confidential freephone number and a dedicated email address have been set up for anyone wishing to report crimes.
