Strict Covid-19 restrictions will be re-imposed at least one week in advance

The proliferation of Covid-19 infections may generally re-impose strict restrictions at least a week earlier than previously planned.

As part of the Christmas celebration, restrictions will be relaxed from tomorrow by allowing people to travel outside the county and gather at other people’s homes.

Lighter regulations were scheduled to come into force until January 6.

However, after receiving a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), Taoiseach Michelál Martin and his fellow ministers will meet next Tuesday to discuss the previous crackdown recommended by Nphet.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, confirmed that a particular date was recommended, but didn’t say what it was, but Martin said, “It’s likely to be before New Year’s Eve.” Said.

Limitations could include reducing household visits to one and further reducing the needy hospitality sector, Taoiseach told RTÉ News.

Nphet confirmed three more deaths and 484 cases of the new virus, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 2,143 and the number of cases nationwide to 77,678.

The critical 14-day incidence of the virus increased to 94.2, the number of inpatients with the virus increased slightly to 200, and the number of ICU patients increased by 2 to 31.

Dr. Holohan said: “Currently, there are reports of outbreaks in social situations such as work, Christmas parties, funerals, etc. Now I can’t emphasize how important it is to limit your interactions.”

He said that public health data “caused a significant number of incidents, both religiously and in the context of subsequent events, far beyond the size of the guidelines” resulted from a large funeral. Said that it shows.

According to Dr. Deirdre Mullholland, infections are also occurring at work and at large weddings, said HSE East’s director of public health.

Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modeling Agency, warned that replication numbers were estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.3, more than Nphet had expected by yesterday.

“Also, the demand for tests is starting to grow, with about 800 additional tests per day over the last seven days, compared to the previous seven days,” he said.

Currently, the number of close contacts is about 3.4 per case.

“We are now at high or very high risk of a surge in January,” he added, adding that the general public should limit their contact and allow days between each visit.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly provided Dáil with the latest details on the deployment of the vaccine under the Covid-19 Vaccination Task Force.

“The vaccine will be deployed in three stages. The first phase will be the first deployment, followed by a major launch and eventually open access,” he said. I will.

“They are provided free of charge. All vaccinated persons will be registered medical professionals who are eligible for comprehensive and professional training on the Covid-19 vaccine.”

The vaccine will be available in long-term care facilities, including large facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, general practitioner clinics and pharmacies. HSE has also set up a mass vaccination center.

The order of the groups covered by the vaccines may vary as more vaccines are operational. Ireland has already signed up for five different vaccines through EU agreements.

Donnelly said: “Vaccines are not a silver bullet. We will continue to monitor public health measures until 2021.”

The latest update from Dr. Holohan to Mr. Donnelly called for increased speed and effort in community health services in the field as the number of positive cases increased.

The letter also mentions the ongoing absence of case and incident management systems and the concerns expressed by the HSE about the need to improve the CovidTracker app.