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Infectious disease consultant Professor Sam McConkey has described the rise in Covid-19 cases outside of Dublin as “really shocking”. “We have to do something as a nation, as we cannot allow the increase to continue,” he said Sunday night.
Encouraging people to take voluntary action to reduce the incidence of the virus, and testing and tracking “has not worked,” putting Level 5 restrictions in the works, he said.
It was, he added, “a no-brainer” but “would require massive public participation.”
Those who said such restrictions would further damage the economy should realize that “if the virus continues to spread, the economy will be shattered anyway.”
It was also the case that “there has to be cooperation with the Northern Irish authorities. The area around Derry and Strabane has the highest rates (of Covid-19 infection) in the entire UK. “
He felt that “there is a need for political leaders (in both jurisdictions) to come together on this and they should keep it simple,” he said.
He encouraged people across Ireland to believe that “we can fix this. It is not as bad as last March and in May and June it was fine. We can do it again. “
When it came to schools, he felt that those under 15 were neither at risk nor at risk. However, “those aged 15 to 25 are at higher risk.” At the third level, this was probably less so, with skins and online. The question was how young people aged 14 to 18 could meet in high school.
In regards to Nphet’s advice on Sunday night, he stressed that this was his role. “Nphet gives advice but politicians decide,” he said.
Ireland’s National Organization of Teachers (INTO) said that if the country moves to Level 5 restrictions this week, “INTO demands an immediate review of the public health landscape for schools.”
“Such a review should determine if it is safe for our schools to remain open. It is imperative that those interested in education come together early this week to explore the issues that may need to be addressed, ”said INTO Secretary General John Boyle.
In reaction to Nphet’s recommendation, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said that given the seriousness of it for the economy and society, the Group of Senior Government Officials should seek, review and publish the evidence that supports these recommendations . “It is intolerable that after six months we continue to receive both vague and changing criteria to promote such serious restrictions,” he said.
What would the Level 5 restrictions imply?
Level 5 restrictions mean that people will be asked to stay home, except when exercising within 5 kilometers of their home, with no social or family visits or gatherings.
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception, while up to 10 can attend funerals, but no other gatherings can be held indoors or outdoors.
Unless you are involved with an essential service, people must work from home.
As far as sport is concerned, there may be individual training only without games, exercises or dance classes, with closed gyms / leisure centers / swimming pools.
Religious services will be held in line with places of worship open for private prayer.
The bars and restaurants will be closed with food to go or only at home.
The hotels will be open only for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. All stores are closed, except grocery and food stores, with hair salons open, but face covers must be worn.
Nurseries, schools and universities remain open.
Public transportation reduced to 25 percent capacity and for essential workers. Masks must be worn.
Those over 70 and medically vulnerable people must judge the extent to which they interact with others and in activities outside the home. Visits to nursing homes and nursing homes are suspended.
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