Taoiseach Micheál Martin has not ruled out the possibility of Covid-19 restrictions in the winter months ahead.
And he signalled the wearing of face masks could return for retail settings if the Government decides to reinforce mandatory mask wearing, if it’s required to curtail the spread of the virus.
It comes as the State’s vaccine advisory body, NIAC, is considering whether people aged under 65 should receive a second booster shot as cases of the disease are wreaking havoc on services.
Read More: Professor Luke O'Neill in grim restrictions prediction as pandemic 'not over'
Government sources have said there are discussions taking place about the potential of a fourth round of a Covid-19 vaccine for the population in the winter months due to fears of waning immunity and the emergence of new variants of the virus.
When asked if there could be a return of restrictions in the winter, Mr Martin said all he can predict is “uncertainty.”
He said: “I just can’t predict with certainty what will happen, all I can predict is uncertainty.
“I think that's why we're making sure we have legislation, contingency planning through legislation, that if we had to bring back mask mandates for public transport, or indeed for retail, that we would be in a position to do that quickly.
“But again, I think we've moved out of the emergency phase.
“All the public health advice is to vaccinate and to personal responsibility and people taking care is the best approach right now.”
The Fianna Fáil leader described the current Covid surge a “disruptive phase” and said Covid-19 is wreaking havoc on the health system and in the workplace while referencing flight cancellations by Aer Lingus in recent days.
He said: “So that is a concern that it remains a significant disruptive force in our society and in our community.”
Mr Martin also said he believes the “key weapon” in fighting Covid-19 in the autumn is a fourth Covid jab or a second booster for the wider population.
He also urged those who are immunocompromised to come forward for their booster shot.
He said: “We will wait for NIACs advice in relation to the autumn period and in relation to whether you know, for everybody a fourth dose or a second booster is required.
“And I think that will be the key weapon in the fight against Covid for the autumn period. We have to watch because different variants emerge at different times. The virus is still with us.
“It is going through different phases in several different forms and we have sub- variants emerge, and they have distinct characteristics.
“And we have to trust the science and that the science stays on top of it.”
READ NEXT:
Soldiers ordered on trip of more than 500km to work security at Dublin Airport
Christmas could come early for 1.4 million people as 'government plans bonus'
Met Eireann's forecast shows best days of the week as summer returns to Ireland
Former RTE producer Kieran Creaven wants prison transfer over 'bullying issues'
