[ad_1]
The executive director of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has pleaded with people to watch their own actions as public health teams try to control “large outbreaks” of Covid-19.
Paul Reid said more than 100,000 tests were done for the virus last week and that more people are now in intensive care beds in hospitals across the country.
Reid added that health workers wanted him to order.
“Our public health teams are handling large outbreaks,” he said.
“We have tested more than 100,000 in the past week. We have installed more ICU beds.
(Image: Gareth Chaney / Collins)
“I beg you to stop looking elsewhere and now at ourselves. We owe it to our healthcare workers. That is what they ask me to ask you. Let’s do it.”
His comments follow the stricter restrictions that went into effect for four weeks in an attempt to combat the virus.
Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan counties have moved to level four of restrictions under the government’s five-tier Covid response plan.
Measurements were entered at midnight.
It comes after the National Public Health Emergency Team confirmed 1,205 more cases of Covid-19 and three more deaths related to the virus on Thursday.
The medical director warned on Thursday that the situation was “deteriorating rapidly.”
Dr. Tony Holohan expressed “extreme concern” about the further spread of the virus during the past week in particular.
The stricter measures for homes mean that no one can visit other people’s homes and gardens, except for compassionate or essential reasons, such as providing care to children, the elderly or vulnerable, or those who live alone.
In Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan, level four restrictions mean that non-essential retail and personal services have had to shut down.
No more than 25 people can attend a funeral and as of Monday a maximum of six people can attend a wedding.
Cafes, food-serving pubs and restaurants can only cater for a maximum of 15 people outside.
The measures will be in effect until November 10.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said the government will consider in detail any new recommendations from the Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).
No meeting has been arranged yet.
“The key message that comes from Nphet, and it is the same message that also comes from the government, is that all who take responsibility here is what is required to reduce cases,” McConalogue told RTE’s Morning Ireland.
“It is possible at level three to suppress cases and eliminate them, but only if people really follow the advice that is asked of them.
“And sadly, while the vast majority have, and while the business community has gone to enormous lengths to make sure their environments are safe and compatible, not everyone in the community has been held accountable.”
Dr. Holohan said Thursday that the number of positive cases during the past week increased by 82% compared to the previous seven days, from 3,514 to 6,382.
He added that “there is no improvement and potentially an acceleration” in the situation and that the levels of transmission are now so high that it is not possible to find the source of the virus in many cases.
[ad_2]