[ad_1]
One top doctor has admitted that he can’t see wet pubs opening in Dublin or Limerick “anytime soon”.
The number of coronavirus cases in both counties remained high in recent days.
And the acting medical director said last night that the Health Department was “particularly concerned” about the prevalence of Covid-19 in both areas.
Hopes had been raised for the reopening of wet bars across the country after a 25-page master plan was sent to publicans outlining new guidelines they should follow.
However, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar refused yesterday to set a date on the reopening.
And Dr Mary Favier, who serves as president of the Irish College of General Practitioners, has urged greater caution about raising expectations, suggesting that decisions will need to be made at the local level.
She told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One: “I think [wet pubs reopening] it will depend a lot on what the local experience is.
“There are equity issues here in the sense that if there are areas and counties that have a very low incidence, there is an argument for wet pubs being opened there, but I can’t imagine what should be done in terms of restrictions.
“But I can’t see wet pubs opening in Dublin, or Limerick for that matter, anytime soon. Obviously this is all for the next few weeks.”
It comes after acting CMO Dr. Ronan Glynn gave seven tips to the public in Limerick and Dublin to stay safe and combat the spread of the virus after the surge in cases.
Last night he tweeted: “The next 7 days are really important.
“In particular, the people of Dublin and Limerick must assume that # COVID-19 is circulating. “
(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
His advice was as follows:
-
Reduce your social contacts
-
Take a step back and keep your distance from others
-
Don’t let your guard down just because you know someone
-
Isolate and contact your GP if you have any worrisome symptoms. Do not go to work. Remember that a trial is free
-
Wash your hands regularly throughout the day.
-
Wear a face cover
-
Download the covidtracker app
Dr. Glynn added during a briefing last night: “Next week is vital and people really need to cut down on their social contacts,” he said.
“They must take all the precautions during the next week in those counties.
“They must now assume again, unfortunately, that Covid is circulating in the community and act appropriately.”
Dr Glynn added: “I cannot say strongly enough that people in Dublin in particular must respect physical distancing. They must reduce their social contacts.”
The total number of cases in Ireland is now 29,774.
No more deaths related to the pandemic were reported
[ad_2]