Despite the introduction of third-level restrictions in the capital, Covid is still spreading across Ireland. Despite third-level restrictions, the spread of the disease in Dublin has not diminished, instead it is spreading deadly across the country. Majority of the cases are being reported from the capital city itself.
Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated in six counties: Louth, Waterford, Donegel, Lettreim, Limerick and Kildare. Reports says that third level restrictions will be introduces in these counties too.
Despite the imposition of third-level restrictions, Covid spread in Dublin leads to total confusion. The shutdown of pubs and bars doesn’t have any kind of impact here. 396 cases were reported in the nation last Sunday and within that Dublin is the most affected one.
There was 36 cases in Cork, 19 in Donegal, 12 in Galway, 11 each in Meath and Kildare. 82 people were hospitalized, including 17 patients in intensive care.
If third-level restrictions are extended to other counties, many people may have to be given PUP. This will also jeopardize the economic condition of the country.
At the same time, with the imposition of more restrictions, including in the capital, the lives of those working in the hospitality-tourism business sector will be in crisis.
In areas such as Dublin, where more restrictions have been imposed, government sources have said they are not considering restoring the PU payment to 350 euros.
The support package for those working in the arts and entertainment sector is expected to be announced in the October budget, and the package for taxi drivers is also under consideration.
The prime minister said the government would look into the nine- to 12-month deadline, which would pose a challenge to Finance Minister Pascal Dono and Minister Michael McGrath.
Minister Simon Harris said that with the number of cases increasing day by day, ‘we have very little chance of controlling Covid-19.’ People have no choice but to reduce contact and strictly follow preventive measures, he said.
He also added that people and the authorities need to make sure we don’t go back to the misery of last March and April.
The minister said in response to opposition criticism of the testing and tracking system that Ireland was testing more people than any other European country. But the minister said the country would be in a very bad state if it reaches 100,000 inspections a week.
Green Party leader Emon Ryan said there is a possibility of imposing third-level restrictions on other parts of the country. He said the virus is spreading rapidly in other counties, so it’s not just a Dublin problem.