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The return of the total lockdown is being considered because we are in “a dark and worrying place,” Minister Simon Harris said.
He said that the emergency Cabinet meeting called for tomorrow, the second in three days, he says, will not be to “share Christmas greetings.”
The former health minister, who was in command when Covid first struck in March, painted a grim picture when he addressed reporters this afternoon.
Harris said New Year’s Eve is definitely out, even if there were plans for outdoor gatherings.
And he said the government will “certainly” consider the recommendation of Dr. Tony Holohan, who wants the full rigor of Level 5 to be reintroduced.
This would cause all stores reopening this week after Christmas, such as Penneys and Smyths, having to lower the blinds again.
It would also see gyms and golf courses closed again if the Government moves to implement Dr. Holohan and NPHET’s full plan.
Harris, the current Minister of Higher Education, spoke in government buildings before the last cabinet meeting tomorrow.
He said: “It is a peculiar feeling today because, on the one hand, today is a day of great hope, a day of light, a day in which we can finally see our way out of this horrible pandemic … although next to that light we are in a time of great darkness regarding Covid in Ireland, but not only in Ireland, in the United Kingdom, our closest neighbor and indeed in many other parts of the world.
“No matter what figure you look at, the situation regarding Covid is now in a very bad and worrying place.
Harris told the Mirror that the return of all restrictions in a full Level 5 situation will “certainly” be considered in Cabinet.
He added: “The Cabinet will not have its second meeting in three days just to share Christmas greetings.”
Harris also said “greater clarity” is needed on the restrictions, and that this will come out of the emergency Cabinet meeting.
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