‘Common sense will apply’ to reopening , says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the Covid-19 situation is continuing to deteriorate with an increased number of hospital cases and ICU admissions.

“We are continuing to reopen with caution with digital Covid certs being used and the Government is following public health advice,” he told his party’s TDs and Senators at its weekly parliamentary party meeting.

“Discussions are ongoing with sectoral guidance being worked out. Guidance will be practical and common sense will apply,” he said.

Mr Martin acknowledged that the strategy for Covid in the medium term would involve a significant booster programme.

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He said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has written to the National Immunisation Advice Committee (NIAC) regarding healthcare workers. “Vaccination will give us collective protection into the future. We have made enormous progress and we want to hold onto it and maintain it,” he said.

The Taoiseach added that antigen testing will be more widely deployed among the population but he also warned that collective behaviour must change in order to help address the current increase in numbers.