A Government spokesperson has made a statement after Dr. Tony Holohan was accused of giving his 'own version' of Christmas Covid advice yesterday.
In a lengthy statement on December 26, Holohan warned people to avoid indoor gatherings, crowded areas and retail environments, which differs from the official government advice in force right now.
The CMO said: “We know that this variant is more transmissible than even the highly transmissible Delta variant.
“As such, please do not socialise or meet indoors with people from other households.
“Avoid crowded places including retail environments.
“Choose to shop online where possible, queue outside and leave any retail environment that does not feel safe and that is not adhering to the public health guidance – implementing social distancing measures and queuing systems, limiting numbers instore and staff wearing masks correctly (covering nose, mouth and chin).”
Government advice at this point does not ask people to avoid socialising indoors with other households, however, they do recommend keeping it to a total of four households.
They also have not officially asked people to avoid retail environments and so, a spokesperson said: “Omicron is much more transmissible than Delta.
"Reducing or keeping social contacts as low as possible reduces risk - that is clear in the government’s R.S.V.P. information campaign.
"The government is monitoring developments very closely and in constant contact with public health officials and the HSE.
"Those who have yet to receive the booster vaccine should take particular caution, and the government is again urging everyone to avail of the booster as soon as it becomes available to you."
