A decision is expected this week on Covid-19 restrictions for Louth, Cork, Wicklow and Galway

A DECISION will be made this week on whether to increase Covid-19 restrictions in Louth, Cork, Wicklow and Galway amid increasing numbers of cases across all four counties.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet Thursday, with officials ready to discuss the situation facing the counties and whether some or all of them should move from Level 2 to Level 3.

Currently, both Dublin and Donegal are at Level 3, which means that people in the two counties face more severe restrictions following an alarming increase in coronavirus cases.

Yesterday, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the four counties were being closely watched by the government, but said there are currently no plans to bring forward the next scheduled NPHET meeting as of Thursday.

430 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Sunday, the highest daily number since late April.

Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn asked people to reduce the number of people they know.

“We have absolutely no room for complacency. If every person, family, workplace and organization doesn’t do their part, the situation will continue to deteriorate, ”said Glynn.

“For people living in Donegal and Dublin, remember that the advice of the government is to work from home unless it is essential to attend in person. For people who live in these and all other counties, please assume that Covid-19 is circulating in your community and act accordingly. “

Concerns are returning about whether Ireland’s health system can cope with a surge in Covid-19 hospitalizations as officials try to avoid the situation they faced during the shutdown in March, when the vast majority of services were suspended newspapers.

Dr Catherine Motherway, an intensive care specialist at Limerick University Hospital, told RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland that she was not sure how many ICUs or intensive care beds are available.

“It is a concern for us,” he said. She said there were questions for the HSE about the funds currently available for intensive care.

He said that it takes a long “entry” time to open an intensive care bed.

“You need a significant number of specialized nursing staff, which is difficult to recruit. They are a rare commodity, ”he said.

“We would like to know how many beds are being funded, so we can hire and try to retain staff.”

“We also need a really significant infrastructure upgrade at a number of hospitals across the country.”

He said postponing scheduled treatment for patients could have a major increase in “poor outcomes” for many.

“Will we have to postpone scheduled care? I don’t know, ”he said.