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THE COALITION LEADERS will meet today with Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan to discuss NPHET’s recommendation that the entire country enter Level 5, the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan are ready to discuss the recommendation with Holohan, who will return to office today.
The recommendation was made following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team last night, as Covid-19 cases continue to increase dramatically in Ireland.
A source from NPHET said TheJournal.ie the “projections are very bad” and there needs to be a “major change”. They said there has been a “great deterioration” of the situation in the country in recent days.
However, there is concern among NPHET that the government does not agree with the Level 5 recommendation, and one source suggested that the country may not be prepared for such a strong change.
A member of the government asked if the public would adhere to a Level 5 lockdown at this time.
Government sources said last night that most ministers are shocked by the council and are against the escalation, although they added that it would be significant if the government said no to a recommendation from NPHET.
The government is understood to be surprised by the advice to jump to level 5 given the social and economic ramifications involved. Minister Simon Harris asked for clarity on the situation today.
I doubt that many of us could sleep one night. So many worries and questions on people’s minds. Leaks and speculation don’t help. Today you need to bring clarity. Until then, let’s focus on what we can control and what we can do: keep our distance, reduce contacts, wear face covers # COVID-19
– Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 5, 2020
The government will be informed of the outcome of today’s meeting between the coalition leaders and the Medical Director. Any recommendations will go to an oversight group before being discussed by Cabinet tomorrow.
Currently, two counties, Dublin and Donegal, are at Level 3, while the rest of the country is at Level 2.
‘A massive shock’
Paul Reid, CEO of HSE, said there is “obvious concerns”About Covid-19 trends.
“We also know the impacts of severe and regular restrictions in society on public health, well-being, mental health and the economy,” he said, adding that the government should consider the Level 5 recommendation “also in this context.” .
Reacting to NPHET’s recommendation, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Given the seriousness of NPHET’s recommendation for our economy and society, the Senior Government Officials Group should seek, review, and publish the supporting evidence. these recommendations.
“It is intolerable that after six months we continue to receive both vague and changing criteria to promote such serious restrictions.”
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said the recommendation “will have a great impact on many and will cause great uncertainty and lack of trust in the business community and in society at large.”
“It is exactly this type of scenario that we were supposed to avoid by having the Living with Covid plan to ensure that businesses and society could operate effectively with restrictions and plan ahead as we gradually move through the different levels, ”said McGrath.
What would level 5 restrictions mean
Under Level 5 restrictions, people will be asked to stay home except for exercise within 5 km of their homes. It is noted that people do not have visits to their homes.
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Employees would be advised to work from home unless it is for health, social work, or other essential services that cannot be performed from home. Schools and nurseries would remain open with protective measures in place.
No social or family gatherings would be allowed to take place elsewhere, whether indoors or outdoors. The two exceptions to this would be weddings, with a number of guests limited to six, and funerals that could be attended by up to 10 people.
Other religious services would be held online, but places of worship would remain open for prayer.
People over the age of 70 and medically vulnerable people will be advised to exercise their judgment regarding the degree to which they interact with others and in activities outside their homes. Specific guidance will be issued for these groups should they move to level 5.
Bars, cafes and restaurants could only offer a take away / home delivery service. Hotels would be open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions would be closed.
No games or sporting events would be allowed, only individual workouts could continue, and gyms would have to close.
Public transportation would be restricted to 25% of its capacity and people would be encouraged to walk or ride bikes whenever possible.
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