Ireland to start reopening schools as it extends other Covid restrictions

Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.

The government has prioritised education and childcare in a cautious new roadmap out of restrictions after a disastrous relaxation before Christmas led to Ireland having the world’s highest rate of infection.

The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, announced the revised Living with Covid plan in a televised address on Tuesday evening.

He praised public compliance with restrictions and said he understood people hoped for relaxations. “The sacrifices you have made have a positive impact – our progress in response to the latest wave is among the best in Europe.”

He said 64% of adults would be vaccinated by May. “We will get through this. I know how hard it is and the toll it is taking on people’s mental health and wellbeing but I also know that the end is now truly in sight.”

The cabinet agreed to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until 5 April, which means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit remains in place, as does a ban on household mixing.

Ireland’s 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population has fallen to 240, putting it in about the middle of Europe’s table, and pressure on hospitals has eased, but authorities fear new, more transmissible variants of the virus will run riot without keeping a tight lid on the economy and society…

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From The Guardian - February 24, 2021