Taoiseach urges people to stick with Level 5 restrictions

The Taoiseach has appealed to people to continue to adhere to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions for the next three weeks.

In a statement to mark the mid-point of the Level 5 restrictions, which were introduced on 22 October, Micheál Martin said data suggests that the effort to suppress the virus is working.

“I would like to pay tribute to the great national effort that is under way to suppress the virus and bring down the rate of infection across all communities,” Mr Martin said.

He added that “we are one of the leaders in Europe in terms of our progress in pushing back the virus”.

However, the Taoiseach said “we must see this through”, adding that by driving down the incidence of the disease, “we give ourselves the best chance to reopen parts of our society and to enjoy a meaningful Christmas”.

Mr Martin highlighted young people for particular praise for their response to the restrictions.

He also paid tribute to frontline workers for their efforts throughout the pandemic, saying they “continue to be an inspiration in terms of their courage and commitment”.

His statement comes after the Chief Medical Officer said last night that people should avoid non-essential travel for the foreseeable future.

Speaking at a briefing by the National Public Health Emergency Team, Dr Tony Holohan said NPHET feels international travel to spend time with loved ones should be regarded as non-essential this Christmas.