An Taoiseach Micheal Martin has ruled out any reintroduction of Covid-19 restrictions during the current wave.
More than 23,000 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded yesterday. However, there will be no change in the government’s guidelines on Covid-19, with the responsibility falling on individuals now.
Mr Martin, who tested positive for Covid-19 last week, said, “I think people should take caution, should wear masks in crowded situations.”
The Taoiseach said the advice on wearing masks remains clear from the Chief Medical Officer, but there was no basis for maintaining the legal requirement to do so.
Mr Martin said he spoke with CMO Dr Tony Holohan this week on the high spread of the virus and said: “This current wave seems to be less impactful, less virulent, the CMO is of that view, than earlier variants and it doesn’t justify further economic restrictions.”
There were 1,425 patients with Covid-19 in hospital yesterday. Of those, 53 patients were intensive care units.