[ad_1]
The Taoiseach has asked people to continue to adhere to Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions for the next three weeks.
In a statement to mark the midpoint of the Level 5 restrictions, which were introduced on October 22, Micheál Martin said the data suggests that the effort to suppress the virus is working.
“I would like to pay tribute to the great national effort that is being made to suppress the virus and reduce the infection rate in all communities,” said Martin.
He added that “we are one of the leaders in Europe in terms of our progress in fighting the virus.”
However, the Taoiseach said “we must do this,” adding that by reducing the incidence of the disease, “we give ourselves the best chance to reopen parts of our society and enjoy a meaningful Christmas.”
Mr. Martin singled out the youth for special praise for their response to the restrictions.
He also paid tribute to frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic, saying they “continue to be an inspiration in terms of courage and commitment.”
His statement comes after the medical director said last night that people should avoid nonessential travel for the foreseeable future.
Speaking at a National Public Health Emergency Team briefing, Dr. Tony Holohan said that NPHET believes that international travel to spend time with loved ones should not be considered essential this Christmas.
Latest coronavirus stories
Dr. Tony Holohan says it is too early to plan for Christmas, and NPHET is not yet sure if it will be able to recommend a reduction in restrictions when it meets in two weeks. But the signs are encouraging, he says. | Read more: https://t.co/UxPOKFIf8S pic.twitter.com/0BQHF6xDpx
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 12, 2020
Dr Holohan said that Ireland now has the second lowest incidence of disease in the European Union, and it is falling rapidly.
He said the implication of this is that in the weeks leading up to Christmas, international travel could become the dominant issue in relation to the spread of the virus, as it will increase the relative risk of contracting the disease from someone returning to Ireland from the Foreign.
Professor Philip Nolan, head of NPHET’s Epidemiological Modeling Advisory Group, supported this, saying that we simply cannot downplay concerns about international travel around Christmas time.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar advises people not to book flights home for Christmas “just yet” | Read more: https://t.co/t4CGBVnSPi pic.twitter.com/e8MTAhLOZG
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 12, 2020
Yesterday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar advised people looking to book flights home for Christmas not to do so at this time.
Speaking at the Dáil during questions from the leaders, Varadkar said it was “too early” for people to book flights back to Ireland.
His comments were criticized by Irish residents abroad, who accused the Tánaiste of “washing their hands” of the diaspora.
[ad_2]