This is not a time for parties.

That’s the message from the government today following an uptick in social activity and reports that members of the public are organising street celebrations and house parties ahead of the St Patrick’s Day weekend on March 17th.

Assistant Secretary-General at Department of the Taoiseach Liz Canavan has urged anyone considering hosting or attending such an event during a Level 5 lockdown to reconsider.

At a Government Covid-19 briefing today, Ms Canavan said that, while we are seeing sustained progress in suppression transmission of Covid-19, “we remain in a precarious position” and organising parties “would be a blatant disregard for all we have endured” and for the enormous sacrifices that have been made in Ireland during the pandemic.

Canavan said that there has been an increase in close contacts associated with outdoor locations and visiting other peoples’ homes, visits during which masks are less likely to be worn.

“This is a very important point – and a trend that gives us cause for concern,” she said.

“We are hearing reports of house parties, street parties and other parties being arranged. We want to remind you that no organised activities are permitted under the current level of restrictions. Anyone found to be in breach may face a fine or prosecution.”

Ms Canavan said a continued effort is required to ensure Ireland doesn’t enter a fourth wave before the vaccine rollout has a chance to protect all of our most vulnerable

“We don’t ever want to return to the scenes we had here in January, the pressure on our health service and the very sad outcomes for many families,” she said.