[ad_1]
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown City Council, gardaí and the HSE have asked the public to stay away from the Forty Foot bathing area on Christmas Day and Saint Stephen’s Day to avoid a possible spread of Covid-19.
Winter swimming, particularly the traditional Christmas day dip, has become increasingly popular in recent years in the South Dublin area, with large numbers of people gathering at bathing spots along the coast on Christmas day.
However, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, An Garda Síochána and the HSE are asking everyone to stay away from bathing areas and specifically Forty Foot, Sandycove and Seapoint on December 25 and 26 in a effort to avoid mass gatherings.
“The figures of the last few days from the Department of Health have clearly shown that Covid-19 is still among us and cases continue to increase at an alarming rate,” said a statement.
“The government’s public health advice is to significantly limit our interactions with others during the Christmas holidays, and this includes participating in activities like the traditional Christmas Day bath.
“We all want to avoid the possibility of a large Covid-19 outbreak early in the new year, whether in our own area or elsewhere. An increase in cases, due to the very nature of this pandemic, will place a huge burden on our health system. “
The statement added: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown City Council, An Garda Síochána and the HSE are well aware that this is a very important request that is being made to the people. We would not be asking this if we did not consider that a large gathering would create a potential risk to public health and the spread of Covid-19.
Personal responsibility has been an important part of our arsenal in the fight against Covid-19 and we urge you to exercise it now and avoid creating a crowded atmosphere during Christmas in these traditional places. “
The council has asked that the public consider visiting one of the many parks across the county and waiting to swim another day during the holiday period where social distancing can be maintained.
The statement comes just hours after it was confirmed that restrictions on home visiting and the hospitality sector will be reimposed earlier than expected.
Irish independent
[ad_2]