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A leading epidemiologist has warned that family gatherings over Christmas could lead to further Covid-related deaths in the spring.<\/p>\nA leading epidemiologist has warned that family gatherings over Christmas could lead to further Covid-related deaths in the spring.<\/p>\n
Dr Gabriel Scally said now is not the time for large get-togethers, and he revealed he will forego meeting his own relatives this Christmas.<\/p>\n
It comes after the Government announced a wide-scale reopening of the country and the economy throughout December.<\/p>\n
Dr Scally, of the Royal Society of Medicine, said: \u201cIf we have a very merry Christmas, and meet lots of friends and relations, then I fear that in January and February we may well be burying some relations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the cruel truth of this virus. It\u2019s desperately dangerous and we mustn\u2019t let it surge back again.\u201d<\/p>\n
But speaking on RT\u00c9\u2019s Saturday with Katie Hannon, Dr Scally said the end of the pandemic is on the horizon.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWithin the next month or two, we\u2019ll start to see large numbers of people being vaccinated, and why would anyone really want to risk going to social gatherings or large family gatherings at this time? This is not the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Scally\u2019s concerns echo those voiced by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) in a letter sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly prior to Friday\u2019s announcement on the lifting of restrictions.<\/p>\n
Nphet warned that \u201cif restrictions are eased now to a similar extent but more rapidly than in the summer\u2026 in winter and over the Christmas period, a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with greater mortality than the second\u201d.<\/p>\n
Dr Scally said he would prefer the Government to adopt a more cautious approach.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThere is a temptation I think when you\u2019ve done well, to think that you can take your foot off the brake.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe virus is so infectious and so dangerous that it can just accelerate away again very, very rapidly. I would be more cautious than the Government has been about December, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Dr Scally said Ireland has done \u201cexceptionally well\u201d in the battle against the virus, he said Covid-19 is \u201cstill circulating at far too high a level\u201d.<\/p>\n
Asked about those planning to travel home for Christmas, he replied: \u201cThis is not the time to do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the time for showing your love for your friends and your family by keeping them safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the effects of the virus will be magnified \u201cbecause it is the winter and people are indoors\u201d.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThey tend to keep doors and windows closed. That\u2019s absolutely creating the atmosphere the virus loves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Announcing the reopening of the country on Friday, Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin said: \u201cIn easing restrictions, we are going as far as we believe is possible to achieve the best balance of health, economic and social considerations. But no further.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government and I are satisfied that this combination of new arrangements strikes a safe balance between maintaining the pressure on the disease and creating space for families, friends and loved ones to be together this Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a further seven deaths related to Covid-19 were reported by the Department of Health on Saturday, and an additional 243 confirmed cases.<\/p>\n
It brings the total number of Covid-19-related deaths to 2,050 and the total number of confirmed cases to 71,942.<\/p>\n
Of the cases notified on Saturday, 137 are men and 104 are women, and 71 per cent are aged under 45.<\/p>\n
A total of 91 of the new cases were in Dublin, 26 in Donegal, 18 in Cork, 16 in Waterford, 15 in Limerick, and the remaining 77 were spread across another 18 counties.<\/p>\n
The number of people being treated in intensive care units is down four at 31.<\/p>\n