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As the Cabinet prepares for a key meeting to discuss the new coronavirus restrictions, the country waits with great anticipation to see what new measures will be implemented.
Top ministers, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, met with the National Public Health Emergency Team on Saturday after a recommendation that strict new measures be introduced.
Medical Director Tony Holohan briefed the government on NPHET’s reasons for the council, which suggested that the shutdown would last for a period of six weeks.
It is the second time in two weeks that NPHET has made such a serious recommendation, and the government rejects the latest.
However, Minister Simon Harris confirmed today that new restrictions will be implemented across the country after tomorrow’s meeting.
Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan have been subjected to Level Four restrictions after a worrying increase in cases in the region.
However, it is not clear to what level the rest of the country will move, be it Four or Five, in the coming days. Here’s everything we know so far:
Simon Harris update
Following his announcement today, Simon Harris took to social media to post an update ahead of tomorrow’s decision.
In a video posted on Instagram, he said: “The government will make a decision tomorrow. It is clear at this stage that a county-by-county approach is not where we need to be at the moment because of this virus.
“And it is clear that more restrictions are going to be required, we know that.
“This is not March. We know much more about this virus now than we did in March.
“We know what we have to do and we know how to overcome it, we have done it before.
“The numbers are high, record numbers[are being recorded] in relation to new cases.
“Fortunately so far, hospitalizations, ICU numbers and thank God deaths are nowhere near where we saw them in March or April.”
Hospital situation in Ireland
(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Among those attending the crucial conversations on Saturday was HSE CEO Paul Reid, who offered an assessment of the hospital’s current responsiveness and an update to the test and trace system.
On Saturday Paul Reid took to Twitter to give an idea of the current situation facing hospitals.
He said: “I spoke to our hospital managers and consultants now. Comments, 1. Coping but under pressure.
“2. Trying to protect non-Covid care.
“3. Concern that staff will contract viruses in communities at a key time when we need them. Public actions are key now to keep all services running.”
Level four or five schools
Despite a likely move to Level Four or Level Five, the government is likely to keep the schools open.
A government spokesman said on Saturday: “The Health team informed ministers that children are safer in schools, transmission rates are low and that the continued opening of schools is very important for development and well-being. of children and young people “.
Meanwhile, Special Education Minister Josepha Madigan said on Twitter: “We don’t yet know what the final decision will be on new Covid-19 restrictions.
“But whatever happens, it is vital to our young people that schools remain open. Staff have done Trojan work to reopen safely and medical evidence shows that schools are safe environments.”
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