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28th Jan 2021

Move to Level 4 on March 5 is possible, says Varadkar

Cassie Stokes

If all goes according to plan we could be looking at moving into Level 4 in March.

Reports suggest that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar discussed Level 4 being brought in by March 5 with his Fine Gael parliamentary party members last night.

We are currently in lockdown Level 5 for another six weeks with this set of restrictions not due to end until at least March 5, but if the numbers keep dropping there might be a Level 4 light at the end of the tunnel.

BreakingNews.ie reports that Varadkar discussed the possibility last night. This would mean that from March 5 people would be able to travel anywhere within their own counties and outdoor dining would be permitted again.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet today to discuss the latest Covid figures and spread of the virus. Ireland’s national 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 is now 674.2.

Two days ago Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the current restrictions “are having a very positive effect”. His message was, always, to “stay at home”.

The Taoiseach did warn that even though we’re seeing lower transmissions and close contacts numbers, hospitals were still under huge pressure and that we all must work to protect them where we can. “We must protect the women and men of our health service” he said.