A LEADING public health professor said he believes that 'Level 5' restrictions would be the "right measures at the right time" to protect the public.
Dr. Gabriel Scally, Professor of Public Health at Bristol University, was speaking to Damien Tiernan on 'Deise Today', in response to news that NPHET has recommended placing the entire country on Level 5 restrictions - the highest level in the 'Living with Covid Plan'.
Dublin and Donegal are currently at Level 3 while Waterford, and other counties, have remained so far on Level 2.
Dr Scally, who is a member of the independent SAGE group of scientists in the UK providing advice on navigating Covid in Ireland, said he is very disappointed that Ireland could have to move to 'Level 5'.
But he said he fears we do need this now because the numbers of positive cases are growing too fast and will, in time, spill over into the vulnerable and elderly communities. Also, hospital admissions would increase.
The professor said he had "deep feelings of regret" that both Ireland and Northern Ireland hadn't gotten rid of the virus in its entirety some months ago when the levels everywhere were low.
"When numbers start to build and build fast, you can't afford to wait," he told Damien Tiernan. "You've just got to get ahead with this virus because if you play catch up with it, you're lost."
Meanwhile, two Waterford businessmen gave their reaction to the possibility of Level 5 restrictions.
Brian Tynan, city pharmacist and spokesperson for the Waterford Business Group, said he was devastated at the prospect which would be "very grim" for the Waterford shops, pubs, restaurants etc that had already struggled this past few months.
Neil Kelly, of The Causeway Group, meanwhile, said business owners in Waterford had done everything they could in terms of investing in their businesses to protect against Covid and it was "very hard" now to hear the suggestion of Level 5....
If you would like to listen to the full 'Deise Today' from this morning, click below...
