Hopes of the country escaping from level 5 restrictions have been raised, as key Covid-19 virus indicators appear to be levelling off. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly described the fall in close-contact numbers and positivity rates as a "beacon of hope" which he said "indicates that the sacrifices that many people have made are making a difference". The Government had built in a review of Level 5 restrictions after four weeks, meaning measures could be eased if the virus is brought under control. However, it is understood that there are now two schools of thought within the Government on lifting restrictions. He said the Government is “increasingly optimistic that we will see a vaccine approved in the next couple of months".

Source: Irish Examiner October 25, 2020 21:35 UTC