Daily case numbers remain in the 400s, but hospitalisations have continued to fall. June now looks set to be the biggest month to date for vaccination numbers, depending on the exact advice from NIAC on the use of Johnson&Johnson and AstraZeneca shots. The Tánaiste’s comment also pointed to another key issue – what proportion of the population will actually accept the vaccine. And in terms of wider Covid-19 policy, it is unlikely that the disease will be eliminated heading into next winter. Ireland still faces a battle ahead, but the completion of the first phase of the vaccination campaign and the associated reopening will be an important milestone.

Source: The Irish Times May 16, 2021 09:00 UTC