"Those numbers just aren't good enough yet"
Image via Twitter/@LeoVaradkarThe Taoiseach has said the country is not in a position yet to be able to ease coronavirus restrictions.
Leo Varadkar is expected to reveal a phased exit plan from lockdown with a number of stages over the next few days.
The first phase, according to the Irish Times, would see over 70s allowed out to exercise on a no-touch basis, four people not from the same household could gather within social distancing rules and builders and gardeners could return to work.
Some shops like DIY centres could reopen, the 2km distance would increase to 5 or 10 and schools would reopen but only with restricted classes for Leaving Cert students.
We’d then move on to the next phase which would see some small shops open. The next phase would see cafes and restaurants open while the phase after that would allow people holiday within Ireland.
The later phases would see pubs and offices reopen - everything would be done social distancing in place.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wouldn’t confirm any of the speculations today but says he will reveal the exit strategy soon. We’re also due to find out whether any restrictions can be eased at by May 5th.
He explained that:
"We really have to look at things like the number of patients who are in ICUs with Covid, the number of new cases, the number of deaths and I don't think I'd be out of school by saying that those numbers just aren't good enough yet".
"Maybe it'll change significantly by Friday but as things stand, I don't think we're there yet".
"[There's] still a lot of patients, still over 100 patients in our ICUs with Covid".
