Dr. Tony Holohan’s first comments after the government rejected NPHET’s advice and opened restaurants

There has been a “significant reduction” in the incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland compared to Europe, says Dr. Tony Holohan.

Ireland’s incidence rate is the second lowest in Europe.

Dr. Tony Holohan said that if there is an increase in socialization, there will be an increase in the number of cases.

He added: “The growth rate [of the virus] it correlates very closely with the change in the number of contacts. “

Nphet warned in a letter to the government on Friday that “if restrictions are now eased to a similar degree but more quickly than in the summer … in winter and over the Christmas period, a third wave of illnesses will occur much more quickly. and with higher mortality than the second “.

Nphet had strongly urged not to reopen the indoor dining room in restaurants and pubs, along with lifting the ban on home visiting.

The government’s response appears to have been to take a tiered approach to reopenings.

It’s about applying what Dr. Tony Holohan has learned as we reopen parts of society.

The R number is believed to be between 0.7 and 1.

There were 119 Covid-related deaths in November, compared to a total of 119 deaths in October and 37 deaths in September.

The schools were an example of how the country could protect our children as teachers, it was something different than we did in the second confinement according to Dr. Tony.

Dr. Ronan Glynn said they are concerned about people coming together in groups.

He said: “We are particularly concerned about people joining in pubs or restaurants in terms of the impact to control this disease.”

Small groups are one thing, while large groups are another.

Glynn says we are “concerned” that any indoor environment could lead to “high profile events.”

The determining factor is the joining of crowds, which is much more difficult to control.

He says there will inevitably be more domestic and socializing trips, which carry greater risk.

Acting Medical Director Holohan continues to ask people to try to suppress the transmission while maintaining a high level of adherence to the guidelines.

He said: “Understandably, there has been a high level of restriction on people’s movements and what they can do – this week they can do more, but what is really important is that each of us must take individual responsibility.

“We have seen a significant reduction in hospital services.

“For the most part, we have protected hospital services.

“We were able to provide education and medical care.

“We have achieved those goals in a very significant way.

“Other countries in Europe have not been able to do this.”

The Irish government has urged the public to remember that “every contact counts” as restrictions to suppress the coronavirus will be lifted from Tuesday.

Sanitary measures will be gradually lifted over the next few weeks.

Senior Official Liz Canavan warned that as people gather for the holidays, there will always be an element of risk of the spread of Covid-19.

Ireland will move to Level 3 starting tomorrow after a six-week lockdown to slow the spread of the virus.

“Our main message is that every contact counts,” Ms. Canavan cautioned.

“(The data) shows very clearly that as our contacts are reduced, the incidence of the virus also decreases.

“If you meet people, there will always be an element of risk. We ask that you actively manage that risk, outdoors is better than indoors.”

Guests at weddings and mourners at funerals will be limited to 25 people, while events organized indoors are not allowed.

Meetings of up to 15 people are allowed outdoors, while non-contact training can take place outdoors and in groups of 15, while individual training is allowed indoors.

Gyms, leisure centers, swimming pools will also reopen for individual training on Tuesday.

Hotels, guesthouses and non-essential retail stores may also be reopened.

People are still urged to work from home and public transportation is limited to 50%. People have also been advised to stay in their own county.

Places of worship, museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas will also reopen. However, the wet pubs are closed except for takeaways.

The government also recommended that the public cover their faces in crowded places.

“The places of worship will reopen starting tomorrow and we understand that there are some concerns about the capacity of demand for services during the Christmas period within current guidelines,” added Ms. Canavan.

“Additional measures will be implemented to address overcrowding and schedule additional services and early booking systems.”

However, he cautioned that just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

The Christmas bonus will be paid to 1.6 million beneficiaries of social assistance, for a record amount of 319 million euros.

Beneficiaries of the voucher include pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and single parents.

More than 56 million euros have been paid to 11,000 companies through the Covid Restriction Support Scheme.

Meanwhile, the Irish government hopes to roll out Covid-19 vaccines in the coming months, Simon Coveney said.

However, the Foreign Minister warned the public not to take pleasure in following the health measures during the Christmas period.

Mr. Coveney said the government is loosening restrictions for the month of December to allow “a certain sense of normalcy to return” in the run-up to Christmas.

“It does not mean that we do not continue to live very aware of the presence of Covid-19 and its threat of spread, so we encourage people to continue to do all the basic things,” he added.

“We all hope to have vaccines in the first quarter of next year.

“It’s about trying to avoid a significant third wave that will result in a tightening of restrictions until we get to a point where we can protect vulnerable people initially with vaccines and then society as a whole.”

As restrictions begin to ease across the state, the government and the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) will focus on testing and contact tracing, Coveney added.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly met Monday with Professor Brian MacCraith, head of the state’s vaccination task force.

Professor MacCraith’s team is scheduled to deliver an implementation strategy to the government in mid-December.