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Dr. Tony Holohan has told radio stations RTE and Newstalk this morning that we have socialized “too much” in the last fortnight.
His warning comes the same day that the Level 3 restrictions are eased, but stricter rules are being rolled out for after Christmas.
The medical director said no industry was being “bothered”, but added that it was almost impossible to keep public health advice at bay when it came to alcohol.
The easing of Level 3 restrictions has now been implemented today with the relaxation of travel and home rules that allow people to roam the country before Christmas.
But the CMO is concerned about the damage that would be done if the current restrictions were maintained after Christmas Day and into the New Year with possible celebrations as a hotbed for virus activity.
(Image: PA Wire)
He said, “We think about the amount of time as we go through a set of Christmas arrangements today, the amount of time that incorporates both Christmas and New Years, with what happened to the disease over the course of the last ten to 15 days. [It] it’s just too long. “
“Alcohol, let’s be honest, is a particular challenge for us in this country, a particular challenge to maintain social distancing and high standards of public health conduct.
“If we continue to see infection levels at the levels we are currently experiencing or growing from, we may need to offer more advice.
“We have provided advice now regarding the period ahead and the Government will consider it and will undoubtedly make its decisions in due course and in a timely manner.”
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And like all NPHET advice, it is now up to the Government to accept, reject or negotiate the suggestions in question.
Dr Holohan added: “It gives us the basis to tell the government that we are concerned, that we must take action early to prevent this from leading to a much larger increase in infections in the early part of the New Year.”
You can find the full list of changes that were implemented since midnight here.
It is understood that the National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended the government to close pubs and restaurants again from any of these three dates.
In a letter to the government, NPHET said that home visiting should be reduced to another home as part of the new restrictions.
They also urged the government to close pubs and restaurants after Christmas with a decision expected from the government when they meet next Tuesday.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said a decision will be made on the series of measures to be introduced after Christmas on Tuesday.
But the Fine Gael leader denied that it would indeed be a Level 5 lock on RTE’s prime time, saying recent “alarming” numbers had meant a change was necessary.
(Image: Julien Behal / PA Wire)
From Friday December 18, people can travel anywhere in Ireland and three households can come together and this is in effect until January 6, but is scheduled to change as stated.
The changes, coming even as public health officials warn of a “worrisome” rise in the number of cases, will mean a series of changes for families across the country.
They are designed to give people some license to travel to other counties to see loved ones or relatives.
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