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NPHET WILL MEET later today to consider additional Covid-19 restrictions, but could wait to recommend further action to the government until next week.
Public health officials confirmed 234 new cases last night, including 103 in Dublin, and two more deaths. There are currently 90 cases of Covid-19 hospitalized, including 16 admitted to the ICU.
It is speculated that other counties could level up, including more restrictions in Dublin.
Speaking at last night’s NPHET briefing, Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn warned that cases were increasing across the country and urged people to reduce their contacts.
“Unfortunately, this week we are seeing an increase in all disease metrics,” said Professor Nolan.
Nolan, however, said that Ireland’s five-day incidence rate is not increasing as fast as expected, but said “there is absolutely no room to imagine that we are seeing stabilization yet.”
Any advice from NPHET will go to the new Covid-19 Oversight Group later today. The group will then consider NPHET advice followed by a Cabinet Subcommittee meeting.
The cabinet will meet Tuesday, but could meet earlier depending on the seriousness of NPHET’s recommendations.
Ministers are concerned about additional restrictions in Dublin, which has been at Level 3 since last Friday, and have said the issue of reopening pubs will have to be addressed if Dublin moves to Level 4.
A minister said TheJournal.ie that government should be careful when implementing future restrictions in other counties.
Source: Department of Health
Speaking last night, Dr. Glynn expressed particular concern after an increase in cases in Donegal, Louth and Waterford.
He said: “The most important thing that people across the country need to do now is reduce their social contacts.
We all need to cut down on discretionary social activities. Knowing fewer people means fewer chances of transmitting the virus. Please prioritize who you want to meet with and try to keep your social network as small as possible.
Meanwhile, more than half of the people in Ireland surveyed by the Health Department are in favor of new Covid-19 restrictions.
The investigation cited by the department was conducted Monday by Amarach Research and surveyed 1,650 people age 18 and older.
According to the Department, 52% said they were in favor of more restrictions and 29% said no.
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Source: Department of Health
When asked about the government’s response to the current Covid-19 outbreak, 54% of those surveyed said it was appropriate, while 39% said it was insufficient; 7% of people said it was too extreme.
According to the research, 47% of people said they believed the worst of the pandemic was yet to come, 22% said it was happening now, and 17% said it had passed.
Regarding the use of masks, 95% of people said that they wear a face mask every time they enter a store, while 97% said they wear a mask every time they take public transport.
Meanwhile, 45% of people said “most people” follow public health guidelines, while 35% of people surveyed Monday said they were experiencing anxiety and 20% said they were bored.
With information from Christina Finn
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