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Tighter restrictions will be imposed in Dublin starting at midnight tonight in response to growing concern over the spread of the coronavirus.
The Irish government will move the capital to “risk level three” restrictions on its COVID-19 response plan.
This means that indoor restaurant meals are now banned once again in Dublin, and all non-essential travel is discouraged for residents.
The Irish government has admitted that the hotel sector will be the hardest hit by the new restrictions.
Inside visits are only allowed between one more household, most sporting events will be canceled, and attendance at weddings and funerals will be limited to 25 guests starting Monday.
It is a major setback for Ireland, which was already one of the slowest countries in Europe to emerge from the blockade; however, more relaxed measures will be maintained outside the capital.
Prime Minister Micheal Martin said that despite the best efforts of Dubliners, the city is now in a “very dangerous place”, which means there is a real risk that it could return “to the worst days of this. crisis”.
At a press conference, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said: “I know some people may not want to believe it, many of us don’t want to believe it, but this is getting serious again.”
“We have seen a marked increase in the number of confirmed COVID cases in Ireland, particularly, though not exclusively, in the Dublin area, where the number of new cases has tripled in the last two weeks.”
Varadkar said the increase was not just due to increased testing, as the positivity rate has “increased considerably” and is now well above 2%.
People are advised to only travel outside of Dublin if it is essential to do so
Dr Ronan Glynn, Ireland’s Acting Medical Director, warned that the number of people hospitalized has risen substantially since last month, as have infections among people over 65.
It also revealed that the R number in Ireland is now estimated to be between 1.3 and 1.7. This means that, on average, 10 people with COVID-19 will infect 13 to 17 more.
“If we don’t interrupt transmission now, we are concerned that we may have more than 1,000 cases a day by mid-October, at least half of which would be in Dublin,” said Dr. Glynn.
He stressed that such an outcome need not be inevitable, and said that if everyone in Ireland cuts their social contacts in half, the R number can also be cut in half.
Many pub doors will be closing in Dublin once again
Dr. Glynn also emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that the coronavirus has changed. This means that Ireland could face a repeat of the early stages of the pandemic unless infection rates are controlled.
In a message to companies, Varadkar stressed that companies in the capital will receive support and acknowledged that some people have been laid off for the second time in a year.
He said affected employees will be able to get a wage subsidy from the government, adding: “This is not your fault. Unfortunately, this is the virus’ fault, not anyone’s, but we know you are going to need additional help. “
Mr. Varadkar emphasized that this does not constitute another closure, as offices, stores, factories and construction sites will remain open.
“The real impact, sadly, will be felt in the hospitality industry – in cafes, restaurants and hotels – this is going to be really difficult for them,” he admitted.
A journalist asked Mr. Varadkar about an incident that happened that same day.
While talking to cameras in a park in Dublin, a woman wearing a mask threw a milkshake in his face before fleeing.
The deputy prime minister confirmed that he will speak to police about the attack next week.
