‘Shop online, queue outside’ – Holohan warns sale shoppers to avoid crowded stores
Planning on hitting the post-Christmas sales?
As stores across the country prepare for the annual discount shopping bonanza, Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, has warned shoppers to avoid crowded shops and steer clear of busy high streets completely if possible.
“It is important that all of us continue to reduce our contacts and avoid crowded places, to the greatest extent possible, as we see the Omicron variant become the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Ireland,” he said.
The @hpscireland has today been notified of 13,765* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
As of 8am today, 378 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 87 are in ICU.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) December 25, 2021
“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).
‘Our test centres are very busy at the moment’
Dr Holohan urged anyone who has not yet had a booster vaccine to “take every measure you can to protect yourself until you are eligible to receive it.”
“This includes avoiding risky environments and keeping your contacts as low as possible. All of the available evidence indicates that a booster vaccine will offer good protection against infection with the Omicron variant.”
Anyone experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, is advised to self-isolate and arrange a PCR test.
“Our test centres are very busy at the moment due to the high incidence of COVID-19 across the country; however, it is important that you continue to self-isolate until you receive the result of your PCR test and further information from the HSE.” added Dr Holohan.
