Counties could face being locked down for Christmas if Covid-19 cases continue to spread rapidly after six weeks, the Health Minister has said.
When asked what the Government will do if cases do not decrease significantly by December 1, Stephen Donnelly revealed the exit strategy out of the second lockdown could happen on a region-by-region basis.
He said: “We have an exit strategy, we are going for six weeks.
“So one of the things we’ve stated is that the exit from this doesn’t have to be, for example, the whole country at one time. It could be region by region.
“So it depends on a lot of factors. What we want to see is the curve flattened and a move back to Level 3 on December 1.”
Leo Varadkar told the Dail that “Christmas will not be cancelled” and “Santa will still arrive and leave presents under the tree”.
The Tanaiste said it might not be the Christmas that we’re used to but we will be able to meet with family.
Meanwhile, four senators are self-isolating after two of them tested positive for Covid-19.
One of those affected, Senator Gerard Craughwell, told Dublin Live he will not be back in work until at least November 2.
