Ireland limits indoor reception to vaccinate Delta scare

DUBLIN, Jun 29 (Reuters) – Ireland said on Tuesday it would limit indoor drinking and eating in bars and restaurants to only those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have been vaccinated against the virus. Previously infected due to concerns about delta variants

A few countries have joined in Europe to introduce the measure. including Austria, Denmark and Israel, while Moscow has adopted similar restrictions. Read more

Michel Martin, Irish Prime Minister The government, which announced a slowdown in general public health restrictions, said health officials told him they thought the pattern made indoor reception too dangerous for those who were not vaccinated.

“The safest way to go back to indoor hospitality is to limit access to people who have been fully vaccinated or who have recovered from coronavirus,” Martin said.

Only 41% of the adult population in Ireland is vaccinated, with 65% receiving a single vaccination. The health minister said on Monday. A senior health official earlier this month said some people in their 20s may have to wait until September to get their first dose.

Indoor venues such as theaters and concert venues may face limitations. Martin later told reporters.

Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadgarh said an alternative to the vaccine review system proposed by the Irish health authorities to the government is to shut down indoor reception for the foreseeable future.

“The alternative is not a delay of a few weeks … The alternative is a long delay until we have herd immunity. And with the new species, there are many opportunities. We cannot say when that will be the case,” Varadkar said at a news conference.

Varadkar said that while people will “I feel divided They were left out.” The government felt it was the least bad choice.

Bars, restaurants and cafes have been closed in Ireland for almost 16 months. With the last national lockdown since the end of December. Outdoor eating and drinking is allowed from June 7. The country also has the strictest travel restrictions in the European Union.

Ireland has the fifth-highest rate of COVID-19 infections among the 31 countries monitored by the European Centers for Disease Control.

Martin said indoor dining would not reopen Monday as planned. But this will be delayed until a new vaccination certification system is implemented.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said details of the investigation had not been finalized. But it may be related to QR codes that smartphones can read.

Reporting by Graham Fahy; Edited by Edmund Blair

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