The Health Minister says he will make a decision regarding further restrictions with the entire country in mind.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet this evening to discuss the re-opening of schools, and a surge in Covid-19 cases, after 266 new infections were confirmed over the weekend.
National Public Health Emergency Team may recommend further restrictions on either a national or local level in an effort to control the spread of the virus.
"The economy and jobs is critical as well," said Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
"Second waves of restrictions could have devastating impacts across the country.
Yesterday’s #COVID19 numbers were deeply concerning and this morning I discussed the evolving situation with the Tánaiste, Green Party Leader, Health Minister and acting CMO. The Govt and NPHET will continue to monitor the situation closely.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 16, 2020
"NPHET advises from a public health perspective - Government takes that advice and has to make decisions with the entirety of the country in mind."
Meanwhile, an immunologist doesn't think it's wise to reopen schools over the next two weeks.
Teenagers wearing protective face masks in a school in France, 03-06-2020. Image: Marechal Aurore/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images"If you have a significant number of cases or a growing number of cases - the issue then isn't a risk to the teachers nor to the students, the issue is a risk to the community," said Trinity College Associate Professor, Tomás Ryan.
"The virus will get in, and the school will act as a conduit for multiplying the virus and sending it back into the community through people's different families, workplaces, and social networks."
