“I know no one wants to go back to a world of widespread restrictions.”
Taoiseach Michael Martin has emphasised that a “collective effort” is what is needed to keep society open and to sustain the progress we have made so far.
Announcing new Covid measures amid rising case numbers this evening, he asked the public to continue to fully adhere to Covid regulations, receive their full vaccinations, take the booster shot, work from home, wear masks and be mindful of their environment.
He said that Ireland is now experiencing a “fourth surge” of the coronavirus, a situation that serves as a reminder of “what this virus can do and the threat it can represent”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that the current surge of Covid-19 cases is a dramatic reminder of what the virus can do, and action must be taken now. He says that the vaccination and booster programme remains at the core of the response to the disease | https://t.co/UlIYKhvibc pic.twitter.com/L1Olq62Oee
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 16, 2021
He added that the increasing case numbers are “a cause of deep concern” and that he was mindful of the fact that “no one wants to go back to a world of widespread restrictions”.
The Cabinet has agreed that household close contacts who are fully vaccinated and show no symptoms must restrict their movements for five days until they have three negative antigen test results.
It has outlined a new midnight closing time for bars, restaurants and nightclubs from Thursday onwards. Customers will now have to vacate the premises at 12am.
The Taoiseach highlighted that the government want the hospitality sector to remain open but that strict observation of Digital Covid Certificates is paramount as it means the virus is less likely to spread in this setting.
The Cabinet also agreed that working from home advice will be reintroduced from Friday. The current advice now is everyone should work from home unless it is absolutely necessary to attend work in-person.
Booster shots will now be offered to those between the ages of 16-59 with underlying health conditions, residents in long-term healthcare facilities, and those aged 50-59 who are fully vaccinated.
The Government will also be expanding the use of antigen testing throughout society
4,407 new cases of Covid were reported today, with 614 people being treated in hospital. Of those, 114 are in ICU.
