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Ireland’s medical director has urged people to stay home and avoid restaurants and pubs as coronavirus cases rise across the country.
Dr. Tony Holohan said that people should not gather and warned against crowds.
His comments come as the Health Department reported 527 new cases of Covid-19 and five more coronavirus-related deaths last night.
On Saturday, the five-day moving average stood at 469. The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) team has previously said that once cases exceed 400 per day, a three-week intervention would be needed to suppress the spread of the virus.
The medical director said there was a strong reason for the “persistent and constant concern” about the recent Covid-19 figures from Ireland.
He tweeted Sunday morning: “Cases are increasing rapidly. We have few cases and deaths compared to the EU / UK / US This is at risk now, just as the vaccines arrive.
“To protect yourself and your loved ones: stay home. Don’t get together. Stay away from restaurants / pubs.
“Avoid the crowds. Wear masks. Follow the health advice. “
Dr. Holohan said it is not too late to change Christmas plans and reduce the number of contacts.
On Sunday morning there were 220 Covid-19 patients in the hospital, including 29 in the ICU.
There were 13 additional admissions to the hospital in a 24-hour period.
Ireland relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions on Friday, allowing inter-county travel over Christmas and allowing three households to gather inside.
The cabinet will meet Tuesday to consider advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) regarding new restrictions on hospitality and home visiting in response to the increase in the number of cases.
In a letter to the government, Nphet recommended “Level 3 plus” restrictions effective December 28, during which inter-county travel would be discontinued and restaurants and gourmet bars would once again offer takeout-only services.
Nphet warned that Covid-19 cases are accelerating faster than anticipated after restrictions were relaxed in early December.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed on Friday that pubs and restaurants will be closed before New Year’s Eve. Martin said he would recommend to Cabinet that the bars and restaurants close soon.
However, it is understood that the government will likely choose to delay hospitality and home visiting restrictions until December 30 and that inter-county travel will be allowed until January 6.
There is frustration in the hotel industry at having to wait until Tuesday for a government decision.
It comes after the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) warned that Covid-19 cases are accelerating faster than anticipated after restrictions were eased in early December. – PA
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