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17th Dec 2020

NPHET to meet today to discuss ‘concerning’ rise in Covid-19 cases

Sarah Finnan

NPHET

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet today to discuss the recent rise in Covid-19 numbers, with CMO Tony Holohan describing the situation as “concerning”. 

It comes as restrictions are due to be eased further with inter-county travel to be allowed from tomorrow.

Commenting on the situation yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan noted:

“We are seeing significant and concerning indicators that this disease in moving in the wrong direction, including an increase in positivity rates, and 7 day and 14 day incidence, and our 5 day average has now increased to 339 cases. Recent international experience has demonstrated just how quickly this disease can get out of control.

“These trends are all the more troubling because of the delicate and precarious situation we are in – as a country, we are heading into a period of potential widespread inter-household and inter-generational mixing. This is an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread and impact on those most vulnerable to its severest effects.

“Don’t give COVID-19 this chance: limit your contacts, prioritise who you meet, and let’s remain vigilant so we can get through this together.”

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