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Ireland appears poised for more restrictions with the image of Covid-19 growing bleak.
With the case numbers now “out of control,” we are facing the barrel of a level five lockdown, which would see nearly all businesses shut down and a strict 5km limit introduced across the country.
Ireland’s National Public Health Emergencies Team (NPHET) recommended the measure to the Government for the second time.
With the country watching anxiously, government ministers have begun to respond to NPHET’s advice.
Here’s what you need to know about the current Covid-19 situation.
NPHET urges level five lockdown for six weeks
Two weeks ago, the government rejected a call from public health experts to bring the country to a level five blockade.
Since then, the number of cases has exploded, with record levels in each of the last two days.
And after meeting last night, NPHET urged the government for the second time to move to level five for a period of six weeks.
The recommendation came after warnings from Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan that the number of cases had nearly doubled.
Dr. Holohan issued his severest warning yet in yesterday’s briefing, warning that Covid-19 is “not in control.”
Taoiseach responds
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, currently in Brussels for a meeting of the EU Council, warned this afternoon that level five would have “huge economic consequences” for the country.
Mr. Martin told reporters: “Obviously, this is very serious advice. It has to be properly considered and people have to be made clear about it.
He added that he agreed with NPHET on the importance of protecting the vulnerable and elderly, but said: “We just had a budget that identifies a significant shortfall this year and next.
“We take NPHET advice very seriously. This will get good consideration. I don’t want to put a timeline on it. “
The cabinet subcommittee will meet on Saturday
The Cabinet subcommittee will meet tomorrow to discuss the latest NPHET proposals.
Martin said the Cabinet will consider the social and economic aspects of a level five blockade and offer a “comprehensive response” to the situation.
The imposition of a level five lockdown would mean the end of alfresco dining in pubs and restaurants, and only take-out services would be allowed.
It would also spell the end of all sports in Ireland as people will be asked to stay within 5km of their homes.
Varadkar and Donnelly say level five needs serious consideration.
Ireland’s top ministers have said that the latest NPHET recommendations require serious consideration.
Speaking on Friday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that a second block would be more difficult than the first, adding that people “would want to know what the exit strategy was.”
“A second lockdown will be difficult for people and some companies may not survive,” he said.
“Many people who felt that social isolation in spring was difficult might have a harder time with the darker days and the weather.”
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told reporters that the government is “talking about these issues on a daily basis.
“Suffice it to say that he is taking himself very seriously,” he said.
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