The Government’s public health experts have signalled strong opposition to some elements of the plan to lift restrictions next week and reopen social and economic life, The Irish Times understands. Ministers and senior officials will finalise the plan to exit the lockdown and manage the pandemic over the Christmas period today. Mr Varadkar raised concerns about the prevalence of Covid-19 in the North and said there was a question over travel across the Border which will have to be addressed. But senior sources in both Government parties were dismissive of Mr Varadkar’s intervention as a serious policy initiative. Earlier yesterday, Mr Varadkar said it is likely that people will be allowed to visit the homes of their friends and family over a two-week period next month.

Source: The Irish Times November 26, 2020 12:45 UTC