Coalition party leaders will meet today to give consideration to a fresh call from the State’s public health team to increase restrictions to the highest possible level as case levels of Covid-19 continue to deteriorate.
The National Public Health Emergency team (Nphet) has recommended every county moves to Level 5 of the Government's Living with Covid-19 plan, which would mean everyone must stay within 5 kilometres of their home.
While it has been suggested that Level 5 restrictions could last six weeks, The Irish Times reported that senior Government figures had expressed concern that another lockdown could in fact last much longer, with major economic implications.
Nphet is understood to have written to the Government with warnings about what could happen if its advice is not followed. There is a high level of concern among Ministers, however, that the warnings do not take into account other health services or the economy.
Speaking in Brussels on Friday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the advice was “very serious” and had to be given proper consideration.
Mr Martin will meet with Coalition leaders Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath.
But he has not indicated whether Government will accept the advice, which has come following a week of record coronavirus cases on the island.
He said: “We’ve moved to Level 3 already, we’ve already said to people no visitors to your home.
“We have measures in place in Ireland that many European countries, even though they have higher figures than Ireland, don’t have in place.
“That said, we take advice from Nphet very seriously. This advice will have to be given good consideration. We want to have the situation well documented, well prepared.”
Waterford incidence
The 14-day incidence of Covid-19 in Waterford has surpassed 100 for the first time.
That's after 32 new cases of the virus were confirmed in Waterford last night.
127 cases have been confirmed here over the last two weeks to give an incidence rate of 109.3 up from 82.6 the day before.
The national rate is almost double that at 217.9.
The HSE, Waterford City and County Council and the Gardai are urging people in Co. Waterford to remain vigilant to ensure that progress made in keeping the virus under control the latter half of this year isn’t eroded.
They say and to remember four simple things they can do to help:
1. Reduce your contacts with other people.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Keep your distance.
4. Wash your hands.
The HSE is also reminding people that anyone can get a free consultation over the phone from a GP and be referred for a test if it's required.
