A Clare Government TD admits there is risk involved in changing covid close contact rules but insists that as a society, we must now learn to live with the virus.
It comes as the Cabinet has approved changes to close contact isolation rules at a meeting this morning, with the news regime coming into place from midnight tomorrow.
The new changes mean asymptomatic close contacts who have been boosted won’t have to restrict movements – but they will be advised to take antigen tests and wear medical grade masks.
Non-boosted close contacts will have to restrict for seven days, while under 40s who test positive on an antigen test won’t need a confirmatory PCR test.
All confirmed Covid cases WILL need to isolate for seven days.
Despite the ECDC warning the approach isn’t evidence based, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says it’s a balancing act.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD says the Government has remained cautious throughout the pandemic and followed public health advise.
Cathal Crowe admits there’s en element of risk involved in bringing in the new cases, but says that with no sign of Covid disappearing completely, we now have to learn to live alongside the virus.
Ennis Chamber’s CEO, meanwhile, believes an increased use of antigen testing in the workplace should replace current guidelines.
CEO of Ennis Chamber Margaret O’ Brien believes lots of employers are already self-regulating to ensure the spread of the virus is minimised.
