Goodbody Stockbrokers have predicted that the Irish government is likely to make only minor adjustments to the current level of COVID19 restrictions this week.

Public health officials look set to recommend that most of the current restrictions on social and economic activity today should remain, with a decision and announcement expected by cabinet tomorrow.

Construction looks set to resume on a phased basis, starting with the residential sector next week. Beyond that, Goodbody say there is expected to be some easing of rules on meeting outdoors, while the full reopening of schools will commence on April 12. There is not expected to be any changes to rules around non-essential retail. 

Goodbody say with case numbers plateauing and other EU states seeing increased infection, the decision to proceed cautiously is not surprising. At the beginning of the year, Goodbody say they would have expected that restrictions could be eased after Easter. This is no longer going to be the case; thus the expected recovery is delayed. It is expected to come, however. 

According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "In this regard, what the government says in relation to the road map for reopening - linked with the expected rollout of the vaccines - will be the more important feature of this week’s announcement."

Source: www.businessworld.ie