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PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have urged people to limit their contacts in the run-up to Christmas as Level 5 restrictions are eased starting tomorrow.
At a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) briefing tonight, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn warned that family gatherings at Christmas, in addition to socializing in the run-up, will pose “significant” challenges in Covid terms- 19 case numbers.
“The key thing people can do now in relation to what they might be doing in those two weeks is planning ahead,” said Dr. Glynn.
If you plan to meet with older relatives [at Christmas]If you plan to meet with other households, now is not the time to socialize with friends, ”he said.
“If we have significant levels of intergenerational mixing in the Christmas to New Years period and if that comes after two or three weeks of socializing now, we will have significant problems in terms of the number of cases and the trajectory of the disease. “
Level 5 restrictions will begin to be lifted starting tomorrow with the resumption of outdoor sports activities and the reopening of non-essential retail stores.
On Friday, restaurants and gastropubs will begin to reopen with current restrictions. Beginning December 18, restrictions on inter-county travel and home visiting will be lowered, allowing families and friends to get together for Christmas.
Tonight, Dr. Glynn painted a different scenario than the one facing the audience as Ireland returns to Level 3.
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“Obviously, we want people to celebrate Christmas in a particular way when the time comes, but there are things they need to do now to stay safe before doing so,” he said.
“Just because you can get things done tomorrow doesn’t mean you have to,” Dr. Glynn said.
Dr. Glynn said that NPHET will provide more specific advice regarding visitation during the holiday period closer to Christmas.
Health officials confirmed one more Covid-19 death in Ireland tonight and an additional 306 cases.
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