We’re not out of the woods yet.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has reminded the public that winter lockdown measures remain on the table should Ireland’s Covid situation deteriorate.

While the minister expressed that such a return is unlikely, he conceded that it “cannot be fully ruled out.”

Donnelly was answering questions on the prospect of further lockdowns as he sought continuance for The Health Amendment Act (No. 2), which “makes, on a temporary basis, exceptional provision, in the public interest and having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of the disease known as Covid-19” on matters such as the opening of indoor establishments and travel requirements.

The Act will remain in effect for at least three more months under the continuance.

“The Health Amendment Act (No. 2) 2021 is being proposed for continuance for a period of three months, without any regulations being imposed providing for restrictions on indoor hospitality.

“The continuance in operation is solely to align with public health advice, with the possibility of the reintroduction of any given measure cannot be ruled out at this point in order to enable us to respond to the disease.”

As things stand, Ireland remains poised to do away with almost all restrictions by October 22nd, including social distancing requirements.