THE National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is considering a recommendation to move all of Ireland onto Level 3 of the five-level plan to battle the rise of Covid-19.
From midnight, Dublin moved to Level 3, with some added restrictions.
The idea of moving the capital to Level 4 was mooted by NPHET, but members expressed concern that such a suggestion would not receive the backing of the Government.
NPHET recognise that they may – depending on the growth of the infection rate of the coronavirus – recommend escalating Dublin to Level 4.
NPHET are understood to be concerned at the rising rates of Covid-19 and a recommendation of a nationwide move to Level 3 is being countenanced.
Health officials this week expressed concern about a number of areas, including Donegal, where there has been a high incidence rate. In eight days from September 10 until yesterday, there were 88 new cases of Covid-19 detected in Donegal.
In a televised address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin last night warned that Dublin was in a ‘very dangerous place’.
“My first and most important obligation, and that of Government, is to protect you,” he said.
“This virus kills. It kills more old people than young, but it kills young people too.
“Many will be upset by what we have to do but please be assured these restrictions are recommended by our leading medical experts.”
The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, has warned that Ireland could face 1,000 cases a day by next month.
“If we do not stop the transmissions now, we are afraid we could have 1,000 cases a day by the middle of October,” he said.
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