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It is ‘very likely’ that the local lockdown measures in Co Kildare will be lifted on Monday or Tuesday, according to a local TD.
Special restrictions were imposed in the county on August 7 after a spike in Covid-19 cases. The measures were extended for two more weeks on August 21, despite similar measures being lifted in Laois and Offaly counties.
However, acting medical director Dr. Ronan Glynn said last week that health officials would explore easing measures as soon as possible.
A low number of new cases have been seen in Kildare in recent days, including only seven confirmed on Thursday and fewer again on Friday.
Independent TD Cathal Berry, a retired senior medical officer who now represents Kildare South, said he is very optimistic about an early exit from the lockdown.
He said, “The next NPHET meeting is Monday or Tuesday of next week. If you look at the data … the numbers are very, very reassuring – actually really encouraging.
“I think now it is very likely that on Monday or Tuesday Kildare will come out of what is his third block.
“I think the decision will be based on the data and I think we will be in a good place on Monday or Tuesday.”
The Kildare Chamber of Commerce has said 1,200 jobs were lost in the first two weeks of localized restrictions in the county, estimating that another 1,000 could be lost due to the extension.
The local shutdown is due to end on September 6, but Kildare Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Allan Shine said they should be lifted immediately because “Kildare’s economy cannot take this anymore.”
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