Significant restrictions are set to remain in place until the second half of May, with Government sources downplaying the chances of any major relaxation of lockdown next month. Fine Gael’s parliamentary party was told by Mr Varadkar no decision would be made on easing restrictions until the first week of April. They said it was important not to raise expectations of changes that would not occur, or for the mixed messages that preceded the current plan to be repeated. While Mr Varadkar on Wednesday suggested the possibility of a resumption of “click and collect” retail activity, other senior figures in Government downplayed the suggestion. Elsewhere, the Oireachtas health committee is to write to AstraZeneca demanding answers over the company’s consistent shortfall in vaccine deliveries.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2021 00:17 UTC