A North Clare GP believes it may make sense to delay the easing of COVID-19 restrictions next week.
NPHET meets on Monday amid concern over rising infection rates, after which it will make recommendations to Government.
Restrictions were due to ease at the end of next week, but now it looks like our so-called Freedom Day could be thrown into doubt.
Over 2,000 cases of Covid-19 were reported across the country yesterday, while the incidence rate has risen by 12 per cent in the past week.
Clare’s incidence rate is at 353.5 per 100,000 people, and while that’s lower than the national average it has steadily climbed over the past number of days.
There’s now growing concern among Government and Health Officials about the rising infection rates nationally, and the Foreign Affairs Minister has warned that while they want to push ahead with the plan, they can’t ignore science.
Simon Coveney says unpopular decisions may have to be made to keep people safe.
It’s understood that among the measures being considered by Government is extending the use Digital Covid Certs beyond October 22nd.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says a widespread return to work after the Bank Holiday is looking a lot less likely.
A North Clare GP says it may make sense to delay the easing of restrictions.
Dr Michael Kelleher, who’s a member of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee, says his practice has witnessed a significant rise in Covid cases over the past three to four weeks and this is mirroring the national trend.
He says increased social mixing, coupled with the fact that the Delta variant is highly transmissible, is leading to the spike in cases.
The Lahinch GP says the coming days will be central to decision-making.
