Dublin coronavirus update: next three to four days are ‘critical’ for capital’s battle against Covid-19

The next three to four days are “critical” for Dublin’s battle against Covid-19, the acting medical director said.

The capital was placed under Level Three restrictions nearly two weeks ago after a surge in cases, a move that caused bars and restaurants that couldn’t serve food outside to close their doors.

Dublin has the second highest incidence rate in the country at 156 per 100,000; only Donegal is worse off at 204.

Dr Ronan Glynn told the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response that there was some reason for optimism in Dublin as the numbers have leveled off in recent days.

However, he cautioned that it was too early to say at this point that it is changing.

He said the next three to four days are “critical” for the capital’s response to the virus, and said that if the restrictions expire tomorrow, he would recommend that they be extended.

Dr. Glynn said it is possible to turn things around, saying that the “positive story” that continues to be lost is what people in many counties have done to turn a negative trajectory.

He also said that no delay in testing is acceptable and that he would be the first to argue that we need faster tests and faster response times.

But he reiterated that although tests are important and people need to know if they are positive or not, while they wait for a test they must isolate themselves.

Meanwhile, he warned that Ireland might have to change the way we respond to the virus after nine months if we don’t have a vaccine, adding that a “chapter three” could be at stake.

But he said he wanted to give hope that a “massive global investigation” is underway and while we can’t be “too optimistic”, we have to be confident in six to nine months if we get through the winter, 2021 will be a more positive year. .