DUBLIN: Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told his parliamentary party meeting that the government plans to administer up to 300,000 vaccines a week in April.
Varadkar announced the extensive vaccination program in response to high-profile criticism, including from his own party, about the slow pace of the vaccination program. The Tánaiste briefed party leaders on the vaccination program along with a copy of the new Government Living with COVID plan.
The letter states that the vaccine program will be accelerated in March and April. The focus will be on better ventilation, rapid antigen testing, tests, tracing and isolation.
In his letter to the TDs and senators, Mr Varadkar made it clear that vaccination had been rescheduled as a response to all the current criticisms.
This is the first time Varadkar has faced criticism from his own parliamentary party for government inaction. The party sources think that this letter will be enough to quell the criticism.
The letter outlined five points, including the opening of schools, childcare and pre-school in March.
“In the run-up to Easter, if we continue on the current trajectory in terms of falling cases and reduced pressure on our hospitals, consideration will be given to the following changes on April 5; relaxation of the 5km rule, re-opening construction, click & collect and allowing more outdoor activity to take place. No further easing of restrictions will be considered until end of April or early May,” the Tánaiste wrote.
Hospitalization is declining
Yesterday, the number of hospital admissions was less than 500. This is the lowest rate this year. Not a single patient had to be admitted to the ICU yesterday.
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