Ireland can expect at least two months of lockdown before COVID restrictions are eased – NPHET warns
DUBLIN: The National Public Health Emergency Team has suggested that a mass COVID-19 vaccination should be roll-out before announcing significant waivers on COVID restrictions in Ireland. In addition, the NPHET has warned of a lockdown for at least two months.
The COVID-19 spread in the country remains volatile. In this context, health experts are concerned that the reopening of schools, play dates, Paddy’s Day and Mother’s Day could lead to a further increase in COVID-19 cases. Easter camps have also been ‘blacklisted’ by public health officials.
HSE public health specialist Dr Miriam Owens said the overall spread of COVID-19 in the country is still at high risk. “Moving between play dates, Patrick’s Day parties, Mother’s day parties where more and more people are coming together, they are not appreciating the risk of onward transmission. Children are reflecting what is in the community. What seems to be happening in the community is people are getting tired and feel it is time to relax. But it is not time to relax,” Dr. Owens said.
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, noted that there has been a 50% rise in cases among young children since February, but very few are associated with schools.
“I know it is a controversial thing for me to say, but simply because things are happening at the same time – because they are happening concurrently – does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship,” Prof. Nolan said.
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