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Another 53 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the state, with no further deaths, confirmed the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
This brings the total number of cases to 28,811, while the total number of deaths remains at 1,777.
In Northern Ireland, authorities reported 58 new cases and there were no more deaths.
Previously, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that a decision had been made to lift the local closure measures in Co Kildare.
Localized lockdown measures were announced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly counties on August 7. Laois and Offaly were released from lockdown on August 21, but strict restrictions were maintained at Kildare.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn said at the NPHET briefing on Monday night: “I want to acknowledge the very significant impact of the measures on the people, communities and businesses of Kildare over the past three weeks.
“The improvement of the epidemiological situation there is a testament to the willingness of all to adhere to the guidelines and public health measures implemented.
At a National Public Health Emergencies Team meeting today, NPHET thanked the people in Kildare, and Laois and Offaly previously, for their patience and noted that their actions are a further demonstration and reminder of what can be accomplished. through action as we continue to strike a balance between living our lives and behaving in a way that protects each other. “
Of the new coronavirus cases reported Monday, 28 were men and 25 women, while 75 percent were under 45 years old.
A total of 27 were confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or close contacts of a confirmed case, while 14 cases have been identified as community transmission.
Today’s decision to lift the additional Covid restrictions in County Kildare was only made possible by the people of Kildare – their extra effort, their sacrifices and their patience. And it worked. The numbers in Kildare are now similar to the rest of the country. We must all remain vigilant.
– Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 31, 2020
I am delighted that today we can lift the additional public health measures in Kildare. I am aware that it has been a difficult time for the people and businesses of Kildare. Their efforts have saved lives in their communities and across the country. 1/2
– Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 31, 2020
Dublin accounted for 25 of the cases and 11 in Limerick, while the remaining 17 cases were located in Kildare, Longford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Laois, Meath, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath.
Referring to Kildare, Mr Martin tweeted at 4.18pm on Monday: “Today’s decision to lift additional Covid restrictions in County Kildare was only made possible by the people of Kildare – their extra effort, their sacrifices and their patience.
“And it worked. The numbers in Kildare are now similar to the rest of the country. We must all remain vigilant.”
County business and political leaders were informed of the decision Monday.
A government statement confirmed that the Kildare blockade “will be lifted with immediate effect” and public health measures in the county will be aligned with those introduced at the national level on August 18.
NPHET previously met and reviewed the epidemiological situation in Kildare, confirming that it continues to improve and is now very similar to that of the entire country.
“Since the epidemiological situation both at the national level and in Kildare is very similar, there is no longer a justification for a differentiated approach between Kildare and the rest of the country,” the statement added.
Kildare Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Allan Shine said earlier that the government had told him today that the measures would be lifted tonight.
Meanwhile, high-level health sources confirmed that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had decided to recommend the lifting of the measures, and the matter was discussed today at an incorporeal Cabinet meeting.
“The news of the lifting of the blockade will be very welcome to the Kildare business community; cash flow continues to be a concern for those working in the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, ”Shine said.
“The conversation should start now about how we live with Covid and how we work alongside Covid until a vaccine is found,” he said, adding that a promised government plan to live alongside Covid should be launched immediately “because companies cannot live with more restrictions ”.
Government MP James Lawless, Fianna Fáil TD of Kildare North, welcomed the development, saying it was a “relief and reward for the people of Kildare.”
“Two weeks ago we had incidence rates here that were among the highest in Europe. Now that has been removed and we have stopped the virus. It is a great relief to the people of Kildare who have seen three confinements in rapid succession and have made enormous sacrifices, both personally and commercially, ”he said.
Earlier, a Kildare County Councilor claimed that he had received confirmation that the county closure meant to combat a spike in Covid-19 cases would be lifted Monday night.
Robert Power, representing Fianna Fáil in Naas, posted on Facebook Monday afternoon: “I have just received confirmation that the government has decided to lift the additional restriction measures in Kildare.
“We are not out of the woods yet and our numbers are still high, but thanks to the additional sacrifices made by the people of Kildare, what could have been a very substantial wave of deaths has been reduced.
“This is great news in a week in which thousands of excited children finally return to some kind of normalcy. Let’s keep working for them! “
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