Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator admits Irish people are at their breaking point and can’t take any additional restrictions.
TDs yesterday passed legislation that will force people to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks, if they arrive from 20 high-risk countries.
New travel restrictions were passed by the Dáil last evening that would enforce mandatory hotel quarantine.
It means people arriving from 20 countries deemed high risk will have to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks at their own expense.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the list could be added to, but Labour’s amendment to extend it to all countries was rejected.
Senator Timmy Dooley believes the right balance has been struck when other things, particularly when the roll-out of the vaccine is considered.
He says people are now at breaking point and need some signal of hope.
That call for hope comes amid positive news from the HSE, which has signalled that families should soon be able to visit loved ones in nursing homes.
The move is being considered in response to an 80 percent drop in Covid-19 cases in residential settings in a single week.
The health service says it’s the first indication that the vaccination rollout is taking effect, with a drop in cases also amongst staff in hospitals.
Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE, Colm Henry, says a review on visiting policies is currently underway.
