An infectious disease specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons has said he thinks Irish society would benefit from an easing of some restrictions to allow people to go outside safely with social distancing.
Professor Sam McConkey said it is low risk and relatively safe for children and over 70s to work and play outside once masks are worn and people keep their distances.
He said it is inevitable the coronavirus will spread again and must be quickly and effectively identified within hours so that it can be traced and isolated and not continue to spread onwards.
He said it is really key that the testing system is robust and that when a GP orders a test a result is available within a few hours and is followed by action at a public health