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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sam Roberts

Dr Tony Holohan issues Irish pubs warning ahead of key Taoiseach meeting amid restrictions fear

Dr Tony Holohan issued a strong pubs warning as Taoiseach Micheal Martin is set to meet with industry bosses.

The Taoiseach has called the meeting on Tuesday to discuss the latest disease data with publicans, after concerns the hospitality sector is not following all Covid guidelines.

Mr Martin sent a strong message to hospitality warning "if we do not engender a sense of collective effort, it will severely hamper our capacity to get transmission under control."

The statement adds: "In turn, this will limit our options in terms of reducing the burden of disease and mortality of this latest wave."

It is believed the Taoiseach will ask pubs to implement guidelines more consistently to avoid stricter measures being taken.

Dr Tony Holohan, Ireland's Chief Medical Officer (Collins Photos Dublin)

Meanwhile the Chief Medical Officer called on people to avoid using pubs, bars and restaurants that are not requesting a Covid certificate for indoor dining.

He wrote on Twitter: "If you are in an an environment where you're not asked for your Covid cert or where hand washing facilities are not present, or mask wearing is not as it should be - you should look at that as a riskier environment than it should be, and you should feel empowered to leave."

And while the CMO has praised the reopening of society, he is also asking people to be extra cautious.

Dr Holohan said: "While it is wonderful to see the continued reopening of our society, it is important that we continue to be conscious of the vulnerable people in our lives.

"If you socialise, be mindful of your contacts in the days after, especially consider anyone you may meet who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to Covid-19."

The CMO added: "Ireland has been tracking ahead of other Western European countries when it comes to this fourth wave of the pandemic. We are now starting to see a rise in incidence across the continent in line with our own recent experience."

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