Unemployment Could Rise If Second Restriction Period Is Imposed

Just under 2 in 5 people could be unemployed by the end of 2020 if a second lockdown is needed to suppress Covid-19.

New research from the ESRI has found Ireland is on course for it's largest recession in history.
It forecasts GDP to fall between 8.6 per cent in its best-case scenario or to over 17 per cent if restrictions need to be re-introduced.

Meanwhile a junior minister has joined in the calls for  the government to follow World Health Organisation advice on the physical distancing length.
John Halligan's also calling for an accelerating of the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
He's been strongly critical of the government and the National Public Health Emergency Team for continuing to recommend physical distancing of 2 metres. The W.H.O. recommends people stay at least one metre apart.