The National Public Health Emergency Team meet this afternoon to discuss the possible reopening of nightclubs this weekend.
Late bars and nightclubs have remained shut since March 2020, and are one of the remaining sectors left to reopen since the start of the pandemic.
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Members of NPHET will discuss the recent rise in hospitalisations, and the increase in the numbers being admitted to ICU as a result of Covid-19.
Today, there are 482 people in hospitals with Covid-19, which is a 20.8% increase on the numbers which were there last Monday morning.
🦠 482 people in hospital today - 20.8% increase on last Monday. https://t.co/IH8PNfCBUL
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) October 18, 2021
October 22nd was flagged a number of months ago as the possible day for the easing of the majority of remaining Covid-19 restrictions.
The measures which were expected to remain were masks on public transport and in healthcare settings, however there is a belief that Covid certs for indoor dining will remain in place for a number of weeks to come.
After NPHET meets this afternoon, advice on reopening will go to the Government, before Ministers make a decision tomorrow.
It's expected that if the reopening is delayed, another possible date for the resumption of nightclubs and the majority of the night-life sector will be given.
