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Dublin could face new lockdown measures by the weekend, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the capital.
Health chiefs confirmed 357 additional cases of the virus yesterday, 218 of them in Dublin.
The Government yesterday unveiled its new five-stage plan for managing COVID-19 during the winter months.
The country will start at level two, but additional measures were put in place for Dublin in an attempt to flatten the curve in the city.
Among the additional restrictions, pubs in the capital must remain closed for at least another three weeks, but will reopen in the rest of the country.
People who live in the city are encouraged not to travel outside the country and six people from no more than two households can visit someone else’s home.
But the alarmingly high infection rate in the county means Dublin is likely to move to level three restrictions by Friday, the Irish Daily Mail reports.
Speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland this morning, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said there is “a very real possibility” that additional measures will be introduced.
NPHET will meet tomorrow morning and is expected to recommend the new restrictions to the government.
If Dublin is moved to level three, only visitors from one home will be allowed and no social or family gatherings will be allowed indoors or outdoors.
Sports games or events cannot be held, although cafes and restaurants will be allowed to remain open with restrictions on eating indoors.
Yesterday there were chaotic scenes at the Dail after Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl announced that the entire Cabinet had to restrict their movements following the news that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was waiting for a COVID-19 test.
Fianna Fail TD contacted his GP after he reportedly felt “bad” last night.
But a socially estranged Dail resumed shortly after eight when Junior Health Minister Mary Butler answered questions in place of Minister Donnelly, who later tested negative for the deadly virus.
Follow our live blog below for today’s latest COVID-19 updates.
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