The re-opening of indoor dining will be delayed by at least two weeks.
After some stark figures were given by NPHET, the cabinet sub-committee has agreed to delay the next step, likely until at least July 19th.
However, it's unclear whether the industry will fully re-open even then.
During a late night meeting yesterday, ministers discussed a vaccine bonus.
Cabinet meeting over. Indoor dining will be delayed a number of weeks, likely until July 19th. After that some kind of indoor dining will be allowed, but may only be for fully vaccinated people. Logistics of it are “very difficult” according to Ministers
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 29, 2021
They also looked at only allowing fully vaccinated people to dine indoors, on advice from NPHET.
The recommendation came as a surprise to many while some ministers admitted it will be a logistical nightmare for many businesses to track.
NPHET warned of potential large spike in cases and increased deaths due to the Delta variant - however Ministers say this was a worst case scenario forecast.
Under 40s To Be Given A Choice Of Vaccines
Cabinet also accepted NIAC advice to allow under 40s to be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
However, for the first time those age groups will have a choice of what vaccine they get, and can opt for the mRNA options instead, subject to supply issues.
NEW: Minister Eamon Ryan says younger people will have an option when it comes to what vaccine they get. Can opt in to AstraZeneca or J&J, or wait for an mRNA vaccine pic.twitter.com/6iVbUrINE4
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 29, 2021
It essentially means many people could be vaccinated sooner.
It also means that those who are not comfortable with the small clotting risks associated with the AstraZeneca or J&J vaccines can wait a little longer for an alternative.
