Prof Philip Nolan: Ireland moving towards ‘phased reopening’ of education Professor Philip Nolan, chairman of the Nphet Irish epidemiological modelling advisory group, speaking during a Covid-19 update briefing at the Department of Health, in Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Sun, 31 Jan, 2021 - 16:21 Rebecca Black, PA Ireland is progressing towards a place where the phased reopening of education can be considered, a medical chief has said. Professor Philip Nolan said he hopes that by March 5, the end date for the current phase of restrictions, that the nation will be in “a much better place”. The head of Nphet’s epidemiological modelling advisory group said Ireland could see a drop to 200-400 new cases of Covid-19 a day by the end of February.