Ireland looks set for more restrictions with the Covid-19 picture becoming even more grim.
With case numbers now “out of control”, we’re facing down the barrel of a level five lockdown – which would see almost all businesses closed and a strict 5km boundary introduced around the country.
Ireland’s National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended the measure to the Government for a second time.
With the country watching anxiously, Government ministers have started responding to NPHET’s advice.
Here’s what you need to know about today’s Covid-19 situation.
NPHET urges level five lockdown for six weeks
Two weeks ago, the Government rejected a call from public health experts to move the country into a level five lockdown.
Since then, case numbers have skyrocketed, with record highs in each of the last two days.
And after meeting last night, NPHET urged the Government for a second time to move to level five for a period of six weeks.
The recommendation came after warnings from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan that case numbers had nearly doubled.
Dr Holohan issued his starkest warning yet at yesterday’s briefing, cautioning that Covid-19 is “not in control.”
Taoiseach responds
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, currently in Brussels for an EU Council meeting, this afternoon warned that level five would have “enormous economic consequences” for the country.
Mr Martin told reporters: “Obviously this is very serious advice. It has to be considered properly and people have to be given clarity around it.
He added that he agreed with NPHET on the importance of protecting vulnerable and elderly people, but said: “We have just had a budget that identifies a significant deficit this year and next year.
“We take advice from NPHET very seriously. This will get good consideration. I don’t want to put a timeline on it.”
Cabinet sub-committe to meet on Saturday
The Cabinet sub-committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the latest proposals from NPHET.
Mr Martin said Cabinet will consider the social and economic aspects of a level five lockdown and deliver a “comprehensive response” to the situation.
The imposition of a level five lockdown would see the end of outdoor dining in pubs and restaurants, with only takeaway services allowed.
It would also mean the end of all sport in Ireland, with people told to stay within 5km of their homes.
Varadkar and Donnelly say level five needs serious consideration
Ireland’s top ministers have said NPHET’s latest recommendations require serious consideration.
Speaking on Friday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said a second lockdown would be more difficult than the first, adding that people would “want to know what the exit strategy was”.
“A second lockdown will be difficult for people and some businesses might not survive,” he said.
“A lot of people who felt the social isolation in Spring was difficult might find it harder with darker days and the weather.”
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told reporters the Government is “talking about these issues on a daily basis.
“Suffice to say, it is being taken very seriously,” he said.
