Country returns to full level 5 Covid-19 restrictions
Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “We will do what we need to do to surpass the virus when it is growing. And it is growing exponentially." Picture" Julien Behal Photography/PA Wire
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that the country will move back to level 5 Covid-19 restrictions for a period of "at least" four weeks, from midnight tonight.
Cabinet met this evening to discuss the recent drastic increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country.
1,718 cases were confirmed by health officials tonight - the highest total reported in a single day since the pandemic began. Thirteen more people have also died after contracting the virus here.
Over 8,000 cases have been confirmed in the last week.
Addressing the country after tonight’s meeting, the Taoiseach said further restrictions were needed to "apply the brakes" and slow the spread of the virus here.
Mr Martin said this current third wave of infections was different to the second, given the presence of the newer, more rapidly-spreading UK variant of the virus here.
"We are dealing with a strain of the disease that spreads much much more quickly," he said.
"Indeed, it is spreading at a rate that has surpassed the most pessimistic models available to us.
“The reproduction number remains very high and is currently estimated at 1.6 – 1.8. The growth rate is estimated to be 7-10% per day with a doubling time of 7-10 days."
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) December 30, 2020
@President_MU #COVID19
"The threat of our health system being overwhelmed, and the risk of increased sickness and death among our vulnerable and older populations is obvious, and it has become urgent.
“I have always been clear that we will do what we need to do to surpass the virus when it is growing. And it is now growing exponentially.
"The truth is that with the presence of the new strain, and the pace of growth, this is not a time for nuance in our response."
The Taoiseach said the restrictions were necessary to keep the most vulnerable people in Ireland safe until Covid-19 vaccines can be administered.
No visitors are permitted in private homes/gardens (except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble).
No social/family gatherings should take place in other settings.
People may meet with people from one other household in outdoor settings when taking exercise.
Weddings planned up to and including January 2 may proceed as planned, up to a maximum of 25 guests. Weddings from January 3 may proceed, but with a maximum of 6 guests.
Funerals may have up to 10 mourners.
People will be required to stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, and will be permitted to take exercise within 5 km of home.
People away from their place of residence on December 31 will be permitted to return to their place of residence.
All retail, other than essential retail must close from close of business on 31st December.
All non-essential services remain closed.
Click and Collect services will be available
Work from home unless essential for work which is an essential health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.
Open with protective measures.
Schools open from January 11 with further review on precise situation in advance of that date.
Higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online.
A double payment of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme CRSS, up to a maximum of €5,000 a week will be available to those subject to restrictions this week and next week.
Businesses affected will also be able to avail of commercial rates relief for the first three months of 2021.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also available to help maintain people in jobs, along with extensive tax warehousing arrangements, reduced VAT rates, the spend and stay scheme, a range of reduced-cost loans, grants and voucher schemes.
The Government has also agreed that the ban on air travel and passenger travel on ferries from the UK will be extended to January 6.
As a similar new strain has been identified in South Africa, this ban will also apply to South Africa until the same date.
School holidays are expected to be extended until January 11 as part of new public health measures discussed at this Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
The Government is expected to announce later this evening a partial delay to the planned reopening of schools following the Christmas holidays, sources have told the .
It comes as the HSE confirms that virus transmission is at its highest ever, and the testing system is near capacity.
Under the Government’s Level 5 plan, schools remain open at all levels. However, concerns had been raised over the viability of this plan.
On Tuesday, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) called on the government to delay the reopening of schools as Ireland battles with a rising number of Covid-19 cases.
In a letter to Minister for Education, Norma Foley, INTO General Secretary John Boyle yesterday called for the start of the next school term to be delayed until Monday, January 11, "at the earliest."
“The INTO remains strongly committed to supporting our 42,000 members in safe workplaces, as they endeavour to teach and support the wellbeing of their pupils at school where children undoubtedly benefit greatly,” said Mr Boyle.
"However, it is now becoming very clear that the ability of schools to operate normally is likely to be seriously impaired due to the higher numbers of staff and students who will need to self-isolate and/or restrict movement in the weeks following Christmas,” he added.
The Government's announcement this evening was welcomed by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), which had called for a delayed reopening due to "alarming public health data" and concerns over the new Covid-19 variation.
INTO general secretary John Boyle said: "We will seek to work constructively with the Department of Education and NPHET to ensure our schools reopen next month and have the necessary supports and protection to stay open safely.”
