IRELAND HAS reimposed some lockdown measures following a continued rise in coronavirus cases.
In a week which had initially been expected to be the fifth and final phase of the roadmap to ease restrictions, a surge in cases over the past few weeks has led to the reopening of the economy being pushed back.
Now, restrictions have been 'significantly' tightened nationwide in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, of which 190 cases were confirmed yesterday.
Speaking yesterday following a Government discussion with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that while Irish people have already made every effort to tackle the virus, by "giving up freedoms" which would have been unthinkable in normal times, "the harsh reality is that recent trends in the spread of the virus are very serious."
"We are not close to the level and pace of the spread of the virus earlier this year, but we are at a point where we need to recommit ourselves to key behaviours and to accept additional controls."
The Taoiseach went on to say "a large number of people are acting as if the virus is no threat to them, or that it’s OK to take a few more risks.
And many people seem to believe that if they or those they are socialising with have no symptoms there’s no problem.
The fact is that a person can spread the virus without ever showing any symptoms.
You may be young and healthy – but your choices impact on everyone you come into contact with."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the new restrictions yesterday evening following the announcement of 190 new cases (Photo by STEPHANIE LECOCQ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)He made specific mention of the scenes in a Dublin pub last weekend which he described as "appalling" but acknowledged that there had been "multiple significant outbreaks associated with workplaces", such as meat processing factories which led to the localised lockdown of three counties.
Because of the rise in cases, the Taoiseach revealed a "significant" tightening of key restrictions until at least 13 September.
- Businesses are asked to tell their employees to work from home where possible
- Household visits are limited to 6 people and from no more than three households-- both indoors and outdoors
- Other gatherings, such as in parks, are limited to 15 people
- Restaurants and cafés must close at 11.30pm
- Sports will be held behind closed doors to avoid social gatherings before and after match events
- Sports training must follow the 6 indoor and 15 outdoor rules
- Public transport should be avoided unless essential
- Face masks should be worn in private transport if travelling with someone outside of your household
- "All state bodies with responsibility for monitoring, inspection and compliance will intensify activities on an integrated basis"
- Over 70's and the medically vulnerable are asked to limit their interactions to a small network and for short periods of times, to avoid public transport where possible and to shop during designated hours
The Taoiseach continued:
"We are absolutely not at a stage where we can return to normality. Individually and together we have to act as if the virus is present wherever we are and to act accordingly.
"We are at another critical moment."
"Now, as much as ever before, we must remember our responsibilities to each other."
