Relaxation of Restrictions, Part XII *Read OP For Mod Warnings*

You get the sense that NPHET crowd love the pontificating and control they have over the populace.

Once the schools and colleges are back we'll be into October and then the talk will be of the flu season and more people indoors so more danger of covid spreading. Then it will be that the original vaccines people received are not as effective due to variants so booster shots will be required. Hence restrictions remain until everyone gets these. Face it folks these restrictions are here to stay with this government and NPHET.

Great chance for the Northern Ireland tourist board, live gigs, much less restrictions only a short drive up the road.

It ends when we don’t comply anymore.

Here in Warsaw you start to see people not bothering with masks anymore and shop owners aren't bothering to ask.

Petrol stations are pretty much mask free at this stage even though we are supposed to.

Is it happening likewise back home?

That's a rinse and repeat report from last September, with the only difference being that 3rd level are now in the mix. Why are people so surprised that this is still a priority?

There's a lot to get through with this post. I'll try though. I'll take it paragraph by paragraph for ease of understanding.

I'm not trying to deny we have restrictions in Ireland.

I'm not currently trying to defend the restrictions and NPHET. I have done at different stages throughout the whole thing but I currently think restrictions are too tight. I also thought they were too restrictive last summer.

Regarding the paragraph about heading north, unvaccinated and hugging people - I wasn't bragging. I didn't hug anyone that didn't already know my vaccine status. I only had Covid a month ago so I've less chance of potentially infecting someone than someone who has been vaccinated.

I don't constantly defend NPHET and have been critical of them at various stages throughout the pandemic.

I'm not all over the place but because you have formed an opinion of me it has coloured your perception of my postings.

By September 1st only schools and 3rd level will be confirmed. Everything else is likely to have to wait until the end of the main vaccination programme in late September.

And can you honestly see further easing of restrictions by the end of Sept and we heading into the winter period? Can you see indoor concerts and music allowed? Not a hope,swimming lessons,various classes like Irish dancing for children and many other activities allowed restart,the mind boggles that we have so many people vaccinated and so many restrictions still in place. Then you have the likes of Mary Favier(not sure if I spelt her name correctly) preaching on the radio about keeping restrictions in place,the fact that someone like her is getting airtime says it all about this country and our weak spineless leaders. And don't get me started on the opposition

Just one more winter to flatten the curve...? 🙄

I don't think there is one single opinion in this government. We have seen it with the Hotel quarantine, we see it now with the Arts Minister.

The problem so far is that there was too much uncertainty and not enough positive facts for the ministers in favour of easing the restrictions to put enough pressure. With vaccination and if numbers in hospitals are stable or decrease, that is an opportunity to have this voice heard.

The head of the government is spineless: the archbishop allowed communions to happen, and the government had to include it in the next reopening. If other parts of society put enough pressure, they will get things. So far the Irish people have been very polite and complacent, so MM and his friends could decide what they want without any pressure