NPHET will meet today to review the situation.

But health experts are already nervous about the third wave of coronavirus the country is facing after the Covid-19 rules on socialising and travel are relaxed tomorrow, Friday, December 18th until Wednesday, January 6th, 2021.

A further 431 new cases of coronavirus were reported across the country in the past 24 hours, with six deaths from the disease.

“We are seeing significant and concerning indicators that this disease in moving in the wrong direction, including an increase in positivity rates, and seven-day and 14-day incidence, and our five-day average has now increased to 339 cases.” said Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

“Recent international experience has demonstrated just how quickly this disease can get out of control.

Troubling trends 

“These trends are all the more troubling because of the delicate and precarious situation we are in – as a country, we are heading into a period of potential widespread inter-household and inter-generational mixing. This is an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread and impact on those most vulnerable to its severest effects.

“Don’t give COVID-19 this chance: limit your contacts, prioritise who you meet, and let’s remain vigilant so we can get through this together.”

While the restriction of inter-county travel and gatherings will be relaxed temporarily, the Government is asking the public to plan their Christmas celebrations carefully and reduce their contacts.