The Clare Chair of the Oireachtas Covid Committee has expressed serious concern after the Health Minister suggested that Ireland could be close to another lockdown.
It comes as the Head of the HSE has said he’s worried about the rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations across the country.
164 new cases of the virus were confirmed across the country yesterday, with almost 60 per cent of those in Dublin.
Clare has seen 37 cases confirmed over the past two weeks, though none of last night’s cases were in this county.
The number of people hospitalised with covid-19 has begun to climb again.
28 people are being treated for the disease in the country’s hospitals today, the highest number of those at University Hospital Limerick, where four people are being treated.
There are an additional four patients in Intensive Care Units across the country.
HSE Chief Executive, Paul Reid outlines some details on testing over the past week:
Speaking at yesterday’s Oireachtas Covid Committee, Health Minster Stephen Donnelly said the State is now at tipping point and the coronavirus pandemic is close to having us lockdown the country again.
The Chair of the Oireachtas Covid Committee has today described the prospect of this as both striking and worrying, saying this type of thinking flies in the face of what’s being advised in other European countries.
Scariff Independent TD, Michael McNamara is concerned about what’s coming down the line, saying an adequate health service can’t be funded without a functioning economy.
As the National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to discuss the latest figures, concerns are also continuing to be expressed about social-distancing.
With many schools returning this week, Clare’s Fianna Fail TD has insisted that bus capacity needs to be doubled as a priority.
Buses for second level students are to run at 50% capacity as schools return this week and next, though it’s not clear if the measure will be in place immediately if enough buses can’t be found.
Cathal Crowe says he’s been contacted by families throughout the county, who’ve received letters informing them that pupils no longer have a place on a school bus, even in some cases where the relevant fees have been paid.
The Meelick Deputy says it’s putting sever pressure on parents.
