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Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there was a lot of concern about the growing number of Covid-19 infections in Dublin and Limerick, but ruled out immediate local restrictions for the two counties.
Martin also confirmed that the current coronavirus restrictions nationwide will run through September 15.
They were due to expire on September 13, but they will last two days until the publication of the government’s long-term Covid-19 roadmap, which will be released next Tuesday.
Mr. Martin said the longer-term plan would “more comprehensively address” the spikes in Covid-19 cases in the two counties.
“No specific decisions have been made regarding those counties at this time and NPHET [National Public Health Emergency Team] will continue to monitor the situation, “he told reporters at a press conference in government buildings.
There will be a Covid-19 cabinet meeting on Thursday where this will be discussed “in great detail,” he said.
The message to people in Dublin and Limerick was to remain “very vigilant, distance yourself socially, reduce your social contacts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Northern Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill said it was inevitable that local lockdowns would be imposed in Northern Ireland to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The North Executive will meet on Thursday to discuss broad coronavirus measures as the number of cases increases in many areas.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster said the Executive may have to take interventions similar to those imposed in Glasgow, where households are prohibited from visiting others indoors.
The NI Health Department said 607 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the past seven days in the north.
Another 49 were diagnosed in the past 24 hours, according to the latest daily figures.
There were no more deaths.
Additional reports: PA
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