Social gatherings and funerals to blame for latest wave of Covid-19 outbreaks
‘They are putting our collective progress at risk.”
That was the message issued by Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, as it was revealed that ongoing social gatherings during Level 5 and a lack of social distancing at funerals are contributing to an increase in coronavirus outbreaks countrywide.
“The average daily five-day case count is rising and is now over 400 per day,” said Dr Holohan, after images of large groups drinking takeaway alcohol in Cork City and Dublin were shared on social media over the weekend.
“This is a worrying development which has persisted for the last few days. We are seeing a number of things which concern us. There are examples of small numbers of people congregating for social purposes and simply ignoring the important public health messages.
“They are putting our collective progress at risk.”
There were 378 new confirmed cases of coronavirus across the country in the past 24 hours and one additional person has died from the disease.
Dr Holohan said that outbreaks associated with funerals are also on the rise.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for families but it is really important that we do everything we can to avoid the circumstances which promote transmission of the virus,” he said.
“There have also been outbreaks associated with workplace settings. As we head into a new working week, we need to stay at home other than for essential reasons and for personal exercise within 5km. Anyone who can work from home should work from home.”
Takeaway alcohol rules to be reviewed
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to discuss the issue of takeaway alcohol with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee later today.
“We will get a report from the gardaí following the events of last weekend. We will discuss in greater detail this new phenomenon of takeaway drink. We will review it accordingly.” the Taoiseach told EchoLive.
“If it is leading to large congregations it will cause major harm going forward. Over the next 48 hours, we will review whether we will allow people to keep purchasing takeaway drink. ”
