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Repeatedly flouting social-distancing guidance would make a second wave of coronavirus \u201cinevitable\u201d, Ireland\u2019s acting chief medical officer said.<\/p>\nRepeatedly flouting social-distancing guidance would make a second wave of coronavirus \u201cinevitable\u201d, Ireland\u2019s acting chief medical officer said.<\/p>\n
Dr Ronan Glynn expressed concern at gatherings of drinkers outside pubs in Dublin city center over the weekend.<\/p>\n
He said Ireland was at a crossroads in its battle with the disease.<\/p>\n
If gatherings like that continue to happen it is inevitable that we will run into problems in the weeks and months to come<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it does not happen on a repeated basis hopefully we will be okay,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf gatherings like that continue to happen it is inevitable that we will run into problems in the weeks and months to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIf we go back to what was our normal pre-Covid we will run into trouble again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Four new positive cases of Covid-19, but no more deaths have been recorded, the National Public Health Emergency Team said.<\/p>\n
Dr Glynn said the sick and vulnerable will be most at risk if there is a second wave of infection.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe are at a crossroads and have choices to make. If we make the right choices we can hope to keep this disease under control.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we make the wrong choices and do not keep following the basics of public health advice we will end up back where we were weeks and months ago and none of us want to be back there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research conducted on behalf of Ireland\u2019s Department of Health shows a higher level of overall worry among the population and a continued increase in the proportion anticipating a second wave.<\/p>\n
Almost three quarters (74%) think that there will be a second wave \u2013 up 20% in the past month.<\/p>\n
Some 41% believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us, and one in three (32%) feel it lies ahead.<\/p>\n
Dr Glynn said: \u201cWe have come through a very difficult phase for the country, the vast majority of people in the country have followed the public health advice.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery punitive measures were put in place for people and it has been difficult for communities and families. What we are asking people to do now, in relative terms, is more straightforward.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe want them to protect themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said healthcare staff were exhausted and not ready for any new wave of infection and added children needed to go back to school in September.<\/p>\n
Between mid-May to the end of June, 35% of those identified as a close contact of a confirmed case did not take up the offer of a test.<\/p>\n
Dr Glynn said: \u201cEvery case has the potential to turn into a cluster, which in turn has the potential to spread through a community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are identified as a close contact, please take up the offer of a test without delay.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the international impact of Covid-19 was changing rapidly and it was right that the Government waited until later this month to publish green lists of countries which it was safe to travel to.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation globally could get worse over the next week or two in which case we would have to think again about who is or is not on the list,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan is to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin.<\/p>\n
Lord Mayor Hazel Chu proposed the honor at the City Council\u2019s monthly meeting.<\/p>\n
Dr Holohan stepped aside to spend time with his family as his wife Emer has been admitted to palliative care for cancer.<\/p>\n
The Lord Mayor said: \u201cThe position he holds represents all frontline workers and all the work they do.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has been a constant presence in our lives during Covid-19 and his calm manner in imparting advice gave reassurance to us all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The accolade will be conferred on Dr Holohan at a future date.<\/p>\n