The Government is being called on to closely monitor the rollout of the vaccine to ensure that young people in Clare aren’t locked out of the hospitality sector.
Industry representatives have been told 1.8 million fully vaccinated people could dine indoors under a vaccine pass system, though the date for reopening remains unconfirmed.
The Health Minister has confirmed the vaccine portal for 30 to 34-year-olds will open tomorrow, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says the Digital Covid cert will be issued next week.
Heath Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that the vaccine portal for 30 to 34-year-olds will open tomorrow, with appointments for an mRNA vaccine to follow within a “matter of days”.
It’s part of the latest ramping up of the vaccination program, after pharmacies began inoculating those under 35 with the single-shot Janssen vaccine yesterday.
Today has been hailed as a landmark day, with the CEO of the HSE confirming this morning that over half of the population have now been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with 69% having at least one dose.
Around 1.8 million people are set to start receiving their Digital Covid Cert by email or through the post in the coming days and that can be used for international travel.
Work is also underway to use the certs to allow access to indoor dining, which those in the industry want to resume on July 19th, but Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath says that has yet to be agreed.
Hospitality Industry representatives will be meeting with Government officials again on Thursday, ahead of which one north Clare Restauranteur is calling for urgent clarification of a step-by-step process for re-opening, so that businesses can retain staff.
Randy Lewis of Randaddy’s Restaurant in Lahinch says ongoing indecision is creating a logistical nightmare for businesses.
Concerns have been raised by some young people, however, that once indoor dining resumes, many who haven’t yet been vaccinated will have to work in the service industry, despite not yet being allowed to socialise in such facilities.
Miltown Malbay student Fionn Sexton-Connolly has welcomed the opening up of the vaccination program for those aged between 18 and 34, but he insists a lack of communication from Government has left many young people in limbo.
The 21-year-old, who’s also a member of Ógra Fianna Fáil, says the decision to delay the easing of restrictions on indoor dining came as a “hammer blow” to those who rely on seasonal jobs to save money ahead of returning to college in the autumn.
He says it’s vital the rollout of the vaccine is closely monitored, so that young people aren’t “locked out” of hospitality.
