It’s another concerning rise.

As a further 53 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported in Ireland in the past 24 hours, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that random testing will now be introduced at Irish airports.

While there were no further deaths from the virus on Sunday, the spike is the latest in a worrying trend that puts phase Four plans for reopening in jeopardy. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is due to meet with the Government on Tuesday to decide on the next move.

Today we have 53 confirmed new cases and thankfully no deaths from #COVID19.

We know the source of 90% of these new cases, which is positive, and is thanks to a successful contact tracing system, including the nearly 1.5 million people who’ve downloaded the app. 🙏

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 2, 2020

“We’re introducing random testing at the airports and an increased public health presence and we are examining other options as well for further restrictions on non-essential travel,” said Minister Donnelly.

“The international situation is becoming more volatile, we’re looking at what has been happening in the United States and Latin America and even closer to home – Spain, Germany, France and parts of England and Australia.

“We’re taking a cautious approach and we’re continuing to take a cautious approach,” he said.

Phase Four, which would see the remainder of Ireland’s pubs given the green light to open and allow people to gather in groups larger than 50 people, is due to commence on August 10th.