Dr. Tony Holohan:

The date, 19 July, is five weeks away and in terms of the situation that we find ourselves in at the moment, the position epidemiologically in the UK is probably the most worrying across Europe. The disease is increasing in incidence. Dr. Glynn gave an outline earlier on. It has doubled in less than a week in many parts of the country. Infection is rising, in terms of its incidence, quickly. Over 90% of the spread of that infection is now attributed to this new Delta variant, which makes it relatively unique in comparison with other countries so we are genuinely concerned about that. It would be impossible to predict where we will find ourselves in five weeks time in respect of where the UK will be. I think that the UK itself is concerned. It is pausing some of its own measures for that particular reason and I am sure that members are aware of that.