“People are finding this very, very challenging,”

Minister for Health Simon Harris has said that further restrictions are likely to be brought in to ensure the public adheres to social distancing rules.

The Minister began the second week of coronavirus delay measures by speaking to Morning Ireland this morning after thousands of people flocked to public parks and beaches across the country to enjoy the spring sunshine over the weekend, many finding themselves in crowds that were too close for comfort.

He took the opportunity to remind listeners that social distancing is not “something nice to do, it is about saving lives”.

There are 906 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland and four people have died from the disease, with 40,000 people waiting for tests. The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet on Tuesday and Minister Harris said any recommendations made by the group will be implemented by the government immediately.

Now this is the way to do it folks!
Keep a local @BlackrockVlg business open & staff in jobs by observing #SocialDistancing at your local coffee shop! 👏👏@blackrockcastle @MenloeStores @BallintempleVlg @LEOCorkCity pic.twitter.com/je0HCD2uL1

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) March 21, 2020

“We won’t be making decisions based on Twitter trends, we’ll follow the public health advice and I quite frankly expect that it’s likely we’re going to be receiving further recommendations from them,” Minister Harris said.

“I don’t want to overly speculate but we know that the two metres needs to be abided by and perhaps greater guidance in relation to playgrounds and public spaces could be useful and perhaps greater guidance and supports for businesses too.” he told the RTÉ radio show.

“We need to get this right. Social distancing is not just something that’s nice to do. It’s actually the difference between saving lives and not.” added the Minister.