“I can’t have a situation where all the amazing work you’ve done is undone.”
Simon Harris has warned against complacency over the next two weeks.
The Minister for Health has urged people to continue social distancing and adhering to the rules of the lockdown to avoid a “disaster.”
Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions are currently in place until May 5. Measures will be reassessed at that time.
Speaking on Twitter last night, Minister Harris thanked the public for their work so far, but warned against the personal relaxation of restrictions.
“I just want to say something about a little bit of a fear I have about complacency,” he said.
“We’re making really good progress, and I say it every night and I say it because it’s true (…) This is good and it’s all down to you, the public, our health experts, and our brilliant front line staff.
“I’m hearing stories of people starting to relax their interpretation of the phrase ‘stay at home’ or the 2km radius, or keeping their social distance of the two metres.
“And I really, really need to appeal to you not to do that, because I can’t have a situation where all the amazing work you’ve done is undone in these two weeks.”
Sunday evening – #Covid19 update & days ahead #coronavirus https://t.co/QVKbUyxZxo
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 19, 2020
Minister Harris urged the public to continuing staying home. He said that although Ireland has made great progress in flattening the curve, the situation in nursing and care homes is considerably different to that outside.
He added that after these two weeks, health officials will be able to consider “what’s next for Ireland.”
“We’re going to have this virus with us for a long time,” he said. “I don’t expect a light switch moment on May 5.
“Do not allow us to let complacency set in. Do not say, ‘Ah sure we’re going well in Ireland, I can let the foot off the pedal.’ That would be disaster.
“It could potentially be fatal. You’re saving lives, you’ve saved hundreds already, let’s save thousands.”
Ireland’s death toll currently stands at 610.
