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The reopening of Dublin’s wet bars could be in doubt after another worrying spike in coronavirus cases was confirmed tonight in the capital.
Tonight another 307 cases with 182 of these infections were announced in Dublin.
It is concerning that at least a quarter of these new cases are associated with community transmission, which means that it has not been possible to trace where people contracted the virus.
Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn again urged the public not to lower their guard.
He said: “I urge everyone to follow public health advice and keep your distance.
“Don’t underestimate the risks associated with any of your interactions, even with your family, friends, or coworkers.
“Now is not the time to let your guard down; assume that you or those you know can be contagious and act accordingly.”
The number of confirmed cases since the outbreak began has exceeded 30,000.
There has been growing concern that Dublin and Limerick face further lockdown restrictions due to rising infection rates.
According to the latest figures from the HSPC, Dublin accounted for 791 of the 1,672 cases reported nationally in the last 14 days up to and including last Sunday.
The cabinet agreed earlier today to open all pubs on September 21, but the huge increase in cases in Dublin now could put this into question.
The reopening of so-called “wet bars” will be subject to occasional local restrictions.
The president of the Irish College of General Practitioners, Dr Mary Favier, said today that she could not see the opening of the capital’s pubs anytime soon.
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She told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One: “I think [wet pubs reopening] it will depend a lot on what the local experience is.
“There are equity issues here in the sense that if there are areas and counties that have a very low incidence, there is an argument for wet pubs being opened there, but I can’t imagine what should be done in terms of restrictions.
“But I can’t see wet pubs opening in Dublin, or Limerick for that matter, anytime soon. Obviously this is all for the next few weeks.”
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