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MEETINGS BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS during the Christmas period should be minimized to avoid transmitting Covid-19 to loved ones, a public health expert has advised.
Dr. Gabriel Scally of the Royal Society of Medicine has urged the public to keep family and friends safe during Christmas by not holding large social or family gatherings.
His advice comes on the heels of the government’s decision to allow limited visits between households starting on December 18, as the country exits Level Five restrictions.
Speaking with Katie Hannon on RTÉ Radio One on Saturday, Dr. Scally said “This is the time to show your love for your friends and family by keeping them safe.”
“What I would hate to see it happen is that because the government says that you are allowed to do some of these things, it would become the norm and that some people might feel like they have to,” Dr. Scally said.
“I know many people, including myself, who will not go to see friends and relatives this Christmas because it is dangerous for my health, for their health and the health of the community,” he said.
the [end of the] the virus is on the horizon. In the next month or two, we will start to see large numbers of people vaccinated, and why would anyone really want to risk going to large social gatherings or family gatherings right now? This is not the time. “
Dr Scally said Ireland has done “exceptionally well” in avoiding a “terribly bad” second wave, but cautioned that people should not lose focus on preventing the spread of Covid-19.
“If we have a very merry Christmas and we meet a lot of friends and relatives, I’m afraid that in January and February we might as well be burying some of those friends and relatives,” he said.
“That is the cruel truth of this virus: it is desperately dangerous and we must not allow it to reappear.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a series of changes to restrictions last night as Ireland moves from level five to a modified level three, including home visits.
Starting Friday, December 18, the ban on home visits will be lifted to allow two households to visit a third.
Travel between countries will also be allowed from December 18 to January 6.
After that period of two and a half weeks, the measures in force before December 18 will be applied again, subject to review.
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Starting Tuesday, December 1, companies and institutions such as retailers, hair salons, gyms, libraries, galleries, cinemas, tennis courts, golf courses and religious services will be allowed to resume. Theaters will be closed.
Restaurants and pubs with on-site cuisine may reopen from Friday, December 4, and hotels may open for diners indoors.
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