7,836 new Covid cases in Ireland, Cabinet decision to tighten Covid restrictions

The Department of Health today confirmed 17 deaths and 7,836 new cases in Ireland in connection with the corona virus.

With this, a total of 121,154 Covid-19 cases and 2,299 Covid deaths have been reported in Ireland.

As of this morning, the number of people seeking treatment in the intensive care unit has risen from 12 to 88. Cabinet has decided to tighten Covid restrictions.

The government’s Covid – 19 cabinet sub – committee approved the NPHET recommendations in this regard yesterday. Following this, today’s cabinet meeting decided to take strict public health measures.

The cabinet decided to close schools and move on to online learning. But Living Cert students have classes three days a week.

All non-essential construction projects will stop by 6pm on Friday.

Plumbers, glazers, roofers, and electricians can work on an emergency call-out basis.

The Cabinet also decided to make it mandatory for all passengers from the UK and South Africa to receive the Covid-19 negative PCR test received within 72 hours.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin has said that if the public took to the streets blindfolded, thinking that the vaccine had arrived, there would be great damage. Announcing the restrictions, the Prime Minister said that we are entering the most challenging phase of Covid.

He said the vaccine will be distributed as soon as it is received. He also welcomed the approval of the modern vaccine.