Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1960. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if revised guidelines can be expected for businesses with regard to the need for social distancing once the Covid-19 vaccination programme is completed in the third quarter of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19431/21]
View answerSignificant progress has been made in recent months in suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.
The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness.
With regard to the issue of revised guidelines on social distancing once the COVID-19 vaccination programme is complete, it should be noted that the level of people fully vaccinated remains low and there is not yet full evidence in relation to the impact of vaccines on transmission, the period of vaccine induced immunity, and the risk of reinfection, as well as the impact of variants on vaccine effectiveness.
As with all issues in relation to COVID-19, this issue will be kept under review by the NPHET.
