There is no more clarity possible about weddings – Dr. Holohan

The medical director said he cannot provide more clarity on when “big” weddings can be allowed in Ireland.

Dr. Tony Holohan said he understood the difficulties the situation presented to couples, but said that the social interactions associated with larger weddings were at risk of spreading the coronavirus.

“The nature of weddings involves interaction, close interaction, social engagement with people, often in a context, let’s be honest, where people are known to have alcohol, etc.,” he said.

“They are exactly the type of conditions that give us one of the biggest concerns we have about the social interactions that facilitate the spread of this infection.”

Under the government’s five-phase recovery plan, small weddings will be allowed in phase four, which is scheduled to start on July 20.

Dr. Tony Holohan said he understood the difficulties the situation presented to couples (Leon Farrell / PA)

The plan foresees that the restrictions on large weddings will remain in force in phase five.

But the government has not gone into detail about what constitutes a small or large wedding.

Dr. Holohan was asked about the topic in today’s Covid-19 daily briefing.

“I think it is difficult for us to say it with certainty, it is enough to say it at this stage, although it is a challenge, we believe that meetings of this type will be some of the most difficult things to see for them to resume,” he said of Big Weddings.

(PA graphics)

“While I can fully understand what that means for brides and grooms, we are not in a position to guarantee that we will be able to see weddings of a certain type and social activities of that scale, or any other, at any given time. social activity of similar scale, being reintroduced.

“But as soon as we think we can give that kind of clarity, we will provide it.”

When asked if couples with a pre-September wedding should postpone, Dr. Holohan said, “It is a very difficult space for me.

“I understand what is the right decision for one couple, the same decision will not apply to another couple.

“I also hope that they can find ways to stay together, whether they are fit to get married or not in the meantime, really.”