There is fresh concern over funerals and workplaces as the source of recent Covid outbreaks in Ireland.
A number of outbreaks have been linked to funerals, workplaces and social gatherings in recent weeks and public health officials are calling on people to take action not to put others at risk.
National Public Health Emergency Team revealed they are focusing on worrying developments in communities.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “We are seeing a number of things which concern us. There are examples of small numbers of people congregating for social purposes and simply ignoring the important public health messages. They are putting our collective progress at risk.”
The average daily 5 day case count has risen in Ireland to over 400 per day.
Dr Holohan identified that a number of outbreaks have been traced back to funerals and called for further adherence to guidelines: “We understand that this is a difficult time for families but it is really important that we do everything we can to avoid the circumstances which promote transmission of the virus.”
The CMO also urged workers to only attend their workplace if it is essential. In all other cases, people should work from home under Level Five restrictions.
Dr Holohan said: “”There have also been outbreaks associated with workplace settings. As we head into a new working week, we need stay at home other than for essential reasons and for personal exercise within 5km. Anyone who can work from home, should work from home.”
NPHET’s latest Covid update from Saturday recorded one additional death and 378 new cases of the virus, including 34 in Donegal.
