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The counties where Covid is most rampant today, as thousands head to socialize
By Cormac O’Shea
The Covid-19 situation in Ireland is deteriorating rapidly and incidence rates are skyrocketing in several counties.
Five counties now have a rate of more than 150 per 100,000 residents with restrictions to be introduced in just a few days.
Donegal, Louth, Kilkenny, Carlow and Cavan are the counties with the worst rates, as Dr. Tony Holohan sent a warning to the country before the weekend.
The Medical Director said: “Over the past week, we have expressed great concern that the level of infection was deteriorating day by day. Today’s data adds more evidence that the situation is getting worse faster than we expected.
“The country simply cannot cope with this level of infection as we approach Christmas week. With vaccines offering hope in the coming months for our most vulnerable groups, we want to keep them alive and healthy so they can receive it.
“Each of us must do everything possible to protect public health: cut your contacts, see only those you need to see. Choose to socialize safely, outdoors if possible. If you see a crowd, avoid it.
“By choosing to act safely now, together we can limit the impact this disease will have in the weeks and months ahead, and by doing so, we can protect the vulnerable and prevent unnecessary deaths.”
County by county situation
Take a look at our interactive table above.
Restrictions lurking
All restaurants and gastropubs will close again as of December 31.
It is understood from well-placed sources that government leaders have decided this before the formal Cabinet meeting next Tuesday.
The last food and drink will be allowed to be served until the close of business on December 30, but will then close their doors when we re-enter a new Level 3 closure.
The hotels will be allowed to continue operating.
The government will also agree to cut the number of households that can visit one another from that date.
But there will be a pardon on inter-county travel that will remain in effect until January 6 to allow loved ones to continue to reunite.
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