A leading specialist in infectious diseases said yesterday the scenes witnessed in parts of Dublin city centre at the weekend could lead to fresh outbreaks of Covid-19.
Prof Sam McConkey revealed he favoured a cautious and phased reopening linked to vaccination, with the hope the over-20s will be vaccinated within eight weeks.
But he added that he would not like to see large groups of people at football matches or indoor events before this age cohort is vaccinated.
Prof McConkey said: “I’ve seen pictures of Dublin city centres where there were hundreds of people all in sort of one big crowd.
“That’s not really good for coronavirus pandemic control at all.
“What we need is small groups sitting down on rugs and their own tables and chairs.”
Prof McConkey, who is Infectious Disease specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons, added he favours a cautious approach to reopening as more people receive their vaccination.
Chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry joined in the condemnation and warned that the gatherings could “exploit our weakest position” if large groups of unvaccinated people are coming together.
He said: “Some of the scenes looked like V-Day, as if the virus had surrendered. This virus doesn’t surrender.”
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